Gambhir’s ultimatum sends Indian Test stars back to domestic circuit

Dubai: As Gautam Gambhir’s fiery words echoed through the press room in Sydney, Indian cricket’s biggest stars felt the heat. The head coach’s sharp ultimatum — demanding a return to domestic cricket — has shaken the dressing room, sending embattled skipper Rohit Sharma and under-fire Shubman Gill scrambling back to their Ranji roots.

Gambhir’s frustration was palpable after India’s crushing 3-1 series loss to Australia, culminating in a defeat in the final Test in Sydney. His demand for players to prioritise domestic cricket over comfort zones struck a chord, particularly with Rohit, struggling with just 160 runs in his last 10 innings, and Gill, battling a similar slump. Both have heeded the call, signalling their intent to return to form on home soil.

Embattled Rohit practised with the Mumbai team, preparing for their Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir on January 23. Though there is no confirmation of Rohit’s participation, the match holds significance for Mumbai to secure a place in the knockout stage. Mumbai are currently third in the standings, behind Jammu and Kashmir and table-toppers Baroda in the eight-team Elite Group A. Rohit last played in the domestic circuit against Uttar Pradesh in 2015.

Similarly, Gill, who last featured in the Ranji Trophy during the 2022 quarter-finals against Madhya Pradesh, has made himself available for Punjab’s clash against Karnataka in Bengaluru on January 23.

Gill, who has managed just one half-century in his last 10 Test innings, will bolster Punjab’s prospects after missing Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh, who are part of India’s T20 squad 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 during a media conference in Sydney.

Young players Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna, Devdutt Padikkal, and Washington Sundar — who all featured in India’s recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia — will also be available for their respective teams.

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh said the coach is the best man for the job.

“There is no pressure on Gambhir. He’s not playing cricket now; he can share his experience to help the boys deliver. It’s not the coach’s fault or the captain’s fault. India lost the series but won the World Cup. The game is a great leveller. I’m sure India will shine again,” Yuvraj told Gulf News during the launch of the inaugural Tennis Ball Cricket Premier League (TBCPL 10).

The 3-1 series loss against Australia seems to have triggered a slew of tighter controls by the Indian cricket board, according to media reports. Among the changes are performance-based variable pay, limits on family time during long tours, luggage weight restrictions, and a three-year tenure cap for support staff.

The change is in the air.