Gautam Gambhir Loses Cool After India’s Batting Collapse at MCG
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed frustration after India’s batting collapse at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The team lost the fourth Test match to Australia by 184 runs. This defeat handed Australia a 2-1 lead, effectively ending India’s hopes of making it to the World Championship final for the third consecutive time.
India needed 340 runs to win but was bowled out for just 155. The final session of Day 5 witnessed a shocking collapse as India lost seven wickets for just 34 runs.
India’s Collapse After Tea
At Tea, India was in a comfortable position with three wickets down. Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal had stabilized the innings, keeping Australia’s bowlers at bay. However, Australia’s strategy after the break turned the game around.
Nathan Lyon and Travis Head bowled in tandem, forcing India into errors. Rishabh Pant fell into the trap, lofting a half-tracker from Head straight to the deep mid-wicket fielder. His dismissal for 30 opened the floodgates.
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a fighting 84 but got out playing an uncharacteristic shot. Virat Kohli, who managed just 5 runs, also played a poor shot under pressure. Rohit Sharma’s dismissal, after he had settled in, added to India’s woes.
Gautam’s Outburst in the Dressing Room
Post-match reports revealed that Gautam was furious with the team. He criticized the players for repeated collapses and their inability to handle pressure. In a fiery team meeting, he reportedly said, “Bahut ho gaya (I’ve had enough).”
Gambhir’s speech, though stern, focused on the team’s improvement. He emphasized the need for players to adapt to the situation rather than relying on their natural game. According to sources, he warned that those not adhering to team strategies could face the axe.
India’s Recent Struggles
Since Gambhir’s appointment as head coach, the team has faced several setbacks. India lost their first ODI series in Sri Lanka in over a decade and suffered a historic home Test series whitewash against New Zealand.
The series in Australia started with promise as India won the first Test under Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership. However, the team faltered in the day-night Test and narrowly avoided defeat in Brisbane due to rain.
After the Melbourne loss, Gambhir made it clear that the team’s approach must change. He stated that for the past six months, he had allowed players freedom, but going forward, his methods would take precedence.
A Warning for Underperformers
Gambhir’s remarks served as a wake-up call for the players. Reports indicate he told the team, “Play according to the situation or prepare for a thank you.” The head coach is determined to enforce discipline and consistency within the squad.
FOR CRICKET NEWS CLICK HERE
