“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should collaborate with Gautam Gambhir”: Ex-Pakistan player reacts to reports of indiscipline by Indian players
Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali addressed Team India’s team bus controversy following the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The 54-year-old stated that the responsibility for players not adhering to the rules lies with the team manager, not head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Ali emphasized that maintaining discipline within the team environment is the manager’s duty. His comments came in response to reports that players failed to follow protocols during the five-match series in Australia. Basit Ali shared his views on the matter.
“Ask the manager why the players aren’t sticking to the team travel plan. Ultimately, it’s the manager’s responsibility to ensure discipline, not the players or the coach. If there’s a breakdown, it falls on the manager to address it.”
“Gambhir should take on the role of an older brother, guiding the team to stay united and on the same page. Much like Aaqib’s approach with Pakistan, where everyone is treated equally, Gambhir should create that same environment. He needs to work closely with the selectors and support the Indian team’s efforts. He also needs to lighten up a bit—he doesn’t smile enough. Building unity is essential.”
He added further “Aaqib has successfully handled player power within Pakistan cricket, and now Gambhir needs to do something similar for India.”
Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Basit Ali urged skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to collaborate with head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management to drive the team forward.He also advised Gambhir to prioritize building for the future rather than focusing on past events. Basit Ali shared these remarks in the same video.
Basit Ali also expressed that senior players like Rohit and Virat should actively collaborate with Gambhir and the management, especially with the Champions Trophy approaching. Basit urged Gambhir to focus on the road ahead rather than dwell on the past. As he put it, Rohit and Virat must engage more with Gambhir and the team management for the benefit of the team’s future. He stressed that Gambhir needs to move past any lingering issues, as the Champions Trophy is just around the corner, and the team has upcoming series to prepare for.
India’s next assignment is a five-match T20I series followed by a three-match ODI series against England, starting on January 22.
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