The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) conducted a comprehensive six-hour-long review meeting to discuss India's disappointing 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand. The review focused on various aspects of the team's performance, including the selection of a rank turner pitch for the Mumbai Test, the decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah, and the coaching style of Gautam Gambhir.
BCCI conducts intense review meeting after India's series defeat against New Zealand
Key individuals, including captain Rohit Sharma, selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, and president Roger Binny, participated in the review meeting. Gambhir joined the meeting online.
During the meeting, questions were raised about certain decisions made by the team management throughout the series. There were also discussions regarding Gambhir's coaching style, which differs significantly from his predecessor Rahul Dravid, and how the team is adapting to this new approach.
"It was a six hour marathon meeting which was obviously on cards after such a debacle. India are going on a tour of Australia and the BCCI would obviously like to ensure that the team is back on track and would like to know how the think-tank are going about it," a senior BCCI source privy to development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Captain-coach duo of Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir questioned
It was revealed that BCCI officials expressed concerns about the decision to rest the team's vice-captain and premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, for the third Test. Additionally, questions were raised about the team's choice of a rank turner pitch, especially after facing defeat on a similar surface in Pune.
"Bumrah's absence was discussed although it was a precautionary move. Opting for a rank turner despite India not faring well on these tracks are some of the issues that came up for discussion," the source informed.
The trio of Rohit Sharma, Ajit Agarkar, and Gautam Gambhir were asked to provide suggestions for corrective measures to address the team's recent performance issues. While it's unclear if Gambhir's coaching style was explicitly questioned, it's understood that there are differing opinions within the Indian team's think tank regarding his approach.
The selections of T20 specialist all-rounder Nitish Rana and rookie pacer Harshit Rana, who has limited experience with only 10 Ranji Trophy matches, have raised eyebrows and haven't been universally accepted.
The Indian team is set to depart for Australia in two batches on November 10th and 11th.
