Border Gavaskar Trophy: Indian dressing room separated from the start of the series?

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy started on a positive note for India, with a commanding victory over Australia in Perth. However, the series has taken a dramatic turn since then, as the Indian team has struggled to find its rhythm. Despite a strong opening, India has been unable to maintain its momentum, with Australia currently leading the series 2-1. The hosts are now on the verge of reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a gap of 10 years, adding extra pressure on India to respond in the upcoming matches. Reports emerging from the Indian camp have painted a concerning picture, with claims of unrest within the dressing room. One of the most notable incidents was a reported outburst from head coach Gautam Gambhir following India’s defeat in the MCG Test. 

According to sources, Gambhir expressed his frustration with the team's performance and lack of adaptability. In addition to the coach's remarks, there have been suggestions of a lack of camaraderie among the players. It is being reported that after the Perth win, the team’s bonding appeared fractured, with players breaking off into smaller groups and not celebrating the victory together. This lack of unity within the squad has raised questions about team dynamics, and it remains to be seen how this will impact India’s chances of staging a comeback in the series.

“They didn’t hang around in the dressing room to have a drink or even step out for a meal together. Instead, they broke up into little groups and went their separate ways. The closest they came to it was a bunch of them, around seven or eight including a couple of the assistant coaches, going to Nobu, the high-end Japanese restaurant chain, for dinner," the source said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

The report also highlighted a noteworthy incident involving India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, during the ongoing series. After the Perth victory, Gambhir reportedly chose to have dinner with his family, while some of the players decided to dine out separately. This decision, although seemingly personal, was seen by some as a reflection of the growing divide within the team. The fact that the coach opted to spend time with his family instead of socializing with the players raised questions about the team’s cohesion and the atmosphere in the dressing room.

Such actions have added to the narrative of a lack of bonding among the players, which has been a recurring theme in the series. While it’s not uncommon for team members to have personal time away from each other, the timing of this incident, following India’s critical win in Perth, seemed to highlight the disconnect between the squad and the leadership. Reports suggest that the players’ decision to dine out in smaller groups, rather than coming together as a team, may have further deepened the rift. The situation calls into question whether the Indian team’s off-field dynamics are affecting their performance on it, especially with the series now in a delicate position.