India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the press on Thursday (January 2) as the Indian cricket team kicks off the new year with a critical test against Australia in the fifth match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Sydney Cricket Ground, .
India, trailing 1-2 in the series, looks to level the scores for a series draw. The match starting January 3, crucial as it acts as a deciding factor of India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s this year.
On team philosophy
Head coach Gautam Gambhir outlined the team’s philosophy, highlighting the team would always come first.
“There is only one tendency and there is only one discussion – it’s the team first ideology that matters. You need to play what the team needs. You can still play your natural game in a team sport – but if the team needs you – you need to play in a certain way,” he said.
The coach also emphasized that the Indian team’s sole focus is on winning the Sydney Test. Gambhir also stated that he has not had any discussions with senior batter Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma, apart from strategies to win the Test match.
“Every individual knows in which area they need to work. When you play for your country, you want to give your best. I think the debates between a player and a coach should remain between them – conversations should be restricted to the dressing room.”
When questioned whether the captain will be playing the match, Gambhir stated,” Everything is fine with Rohit and we will announce that (Playing 11) tomorrow, after seeing the pitch. We had just one conversation in our dressing room – how we will win the next test, as it is important for us.”
Skipper Rohit has struggled for runs in the first four Tests of the five-match series.
On dressing room rumours
Gambhir stated that debates between the coach and players should stay in the dressing room, calling reports of conflicts untrue.
“Debates between coach and player should remain in the dressing room,” he emphasised. “These are just reports, not the truth. Stern words and honest conversations are a part of the game, but they don’t belong in the public domain”, Gambhir said in the pre-match press meet.
Gambhir emphasized the importance of accountability as a key value that motivates the Indian team.
“Indian cricket will remain in safe hands as long as honest people stay in the dressing room. The only thing that keeps you here is performance,” he said.
The head coach further stressed the significance of frank discussions, stating, “Honesty is vital. There were honest words spoken because that is what this team is built on.”
Akash Deep ruled out
The team has been forced to make a change for the final match, as Gambhir confirmed that pacer Akash Deep will not feature in the Sydney Test. He revealed that the 28-year-old bowler is ruled out due to a back injury. “As of now, Akash Deep is out (for the fifth Test) due to a back injury,” Gambhir said during the pre-match press conference.
The right-arm fast-medium pacer, made his Test debut in 2024 against England and has since played seven matches, taking 15 wickets at an economy rate of 3.59. In addition to bowling, he has scored 83 runs at a strike rate of 49.40 across seven matches and ten innings.
In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, Akash Deep featured in two matches, picking up five wickets at an average of 54.00.
Indian BGT Squad
India Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Sarfaraz Khan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Shubman Gill, Devdutt Padikkal, Tanush Kotian, Dhruv Jurel, Harshit Rana
