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Gautam Gambhir’s stern message after India’s BGT 2024-25 loss: ‘I would want everyone to play domestic cricket if they…’
Although India head coach Gautam Gambhir did not name anyone, but his message was a clear indication towards Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to head back to domestic cricket and find their mojo.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir said he wants every cricketer to play domestic cricket if they are committed towards red-ball cricket after their 1-3 loss against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) on Sunday. One of the major reasons for India's downfall in the BGT was their fragile batting line-up.
Out of 10 innings, the Indian batters could manage 300-plus totals only on two occasions. While Gambhir didn't name anyone, his message clearly indicates the need for seniors like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to go back to the domestic circuit and find their mojo before India's next Test series against England.
"I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket. That is how much importance domestic cricket needs to be given. Not only one game. If they are available and they have the commitment to play red ball cricket, everyone should play domestic cricket. As simple as it can get. If you don't give importance to domestic cricket, you will never get the desired players that you want," Gambhir said at the post-match press conference on Sunday.
While Rohit could manage just 31 runs in his five innings in Australia at a disappointing average of little more than six, Kohli's egoistic approach towards deliveries outside the off-stump brought his downfall on the tour.
Barring the 100 not out in Perth, the former India captain managed only 90 runs in his remaining eight innings. In fact, Kohli fell for the outside the off-stump trap eight times during the tour.
Gambhir's comments come after senior players in the side, like Kohli and Rohit, avoided playing domestic cricket despite being repeatedly asked by the BCCI top brass to play. In July last year, before India's gruelling Test season, then BCCI secretary Jay Shah had made it clear that even star cricketers must make themselves available for domestic engagements when they are free from national duty.
Gambhir backs Ro-Ko to excel
With Kohli and Rohit's form with the bat becoming one of the major talking points, Gambhir backed the Indian duo to excel as they still have the hunger within themselves and will decide on their Test future, keeping the team's best interest in mind.
Gambhir refused to give any assurances on the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in Test cricket, stating, "I can't talk about the future of any player… It's up to them as well. But yes, what I can say is that they still have the hunger. They still have the passion. They're tough people. And hopefully they can continue to take Indian cricket forward. But ultimately, as we all know, that whatever they plan, they will plan for the best interest of Indian cricket."
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Business NewsSportsCricket NewsGautam Gambhir’s stern message after India’s BGT 2024-25 loss: ‘I would want everyone to play domestic cricket if they…’
First Published:5 Jan 2025, 10:24 AM IST
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