Reviewing the positives and negatives after a series is a very normal practice in cricket. The importance of such a review becomes even greater when a series is lost.
However, after the Indian team’s clean sweep defeat in the Test series against New Zealand, the marathon meeting conducted by BCCI officials with captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir could be termed as “mental exhaustion” by anyone.
It wasn’t just a one- or two-hour meeting; BCCI President Roger Binny and Secretary Jay Shah held a continuous 6-hour meeting with the coach, captain, and chief selector. It can be easily assumed that the lengthy meeting following the first-ever 3-Test series clean sweep at home involved many uncomfortable discussions.
According to a report by the Indian news agency PTI, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, Coach Gambhir, and Captain Rohit had to answer various questions related to the defeat against the Kiwis. Specifically, there were questions on why excessively turning pitches were prepared for the series, why Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the third Test, and Gambhir’s coaching approach was also discussed. The top officials of the Indian cricket board raised questions about some of the decisions taken by the team management during various stages of the series.
A BCCI source, on the condition of anonymity, told PTI, “After such a debacle, a meeting like this was expected, which lasted for a continuous 6 hours. The Indian team is heading to Australia soon. The BCCI wants the team to bounce back and also sought to know what the think-tank is planning.”
During Rahul Dravid’s tenure, India focused on playing on pace-friendly pitches at home. However, since taking over in July, Gambhir has followed the old path of spin-friendly wickets. Additionally, resting Bumrah for the third Test after losses in the first two Tests did not sit well with the BCCI officials. Regarding this, the source said, “Even though Bumrah was rested as a precaution, it was discussed. There were talks about why turning pitches were prepared when India did not perform well on them.”
Roger Binny and Jay Shah have asked Agarkar, Gambhir, and Rohit, who are associated with the team, to provide recommendations for overcoming the current situation. Gambhir, however, attended the meeting online instead of being physically present.
India’s next challenge is the 5-Test Border-Gavaskar series against Australia on their home soil. The series is set to begin on November 22, and the Indian cricketers will travel to Australia in two groups on Sunday and Monday.
