Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of Team India, is seemingly at odds with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding team selection and strategy. A recent explosive report revealed Gambhir’s frustration after India’s defeat on Day 5 of the fourth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Melbourne. According to the report, Gambhir was upset with his team’s performance and the approach they took during the match.

Gambhir has also been advocating for the return of Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara to the squad for the Australia tour. The Indian Express reported that Gambhir repeatedly requested Pujara’s inclusion ahead of the first Test in Perth, but his appeals were ignored by the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar. Even after India’s victory in Perth, Gambhir continued to push for Pujara’s inclusion. Pujara, with 103 Test matches to his name and an average of 43.60, played a key role in India’s previous series wins in Australia, but hasn’t featured in the squad since the 2023 World Test Championship final.

India’s struggles at the top of the order have been evident throughout the series. Before the series began, Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood expressed relief at Pujara’s absence from the squad. Additional concerns have arisen during Gambhir’s tenure as coach, with reports suggesting he has clashed with selectors and the captain over the playing XI for the Australia series. Notably, Gambhir’s decisions to include Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar in the lineup reportedly caused disagreements within the Indian dressing room.

Frustration has also been growing over the team’s inability to execute strategies effectively on the field, further highlighting the tension within the camp.