Rohit Sharma personally requested Gautam Gambhir as India coach, relation soured in Australia: Report

New Delhi: A fresh report has surfaced detailing the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the Indian cricket team, claiming that captain Rohit Sharma himself requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to appoint Gautam Gambhir as the head coach.

The report, published by multiple outlets, states that Rohit was instrumental in bringing Gambhir into the coaching setup. However, it adds that the relationship between the two stalwarts broke down significantly during the recent Test series in Australia.

The Backstory of the Appointment

According to the report, Rohit Sharma had a long discussion with the BCCI brass about the need for a strong, no-nonsense coach. He is said to have personally vouched for Gambhir, a former teammate with whom he shared a successful, albeit competitive, history in Indian cricket.

The thinking was clear. Gambhir's aggressive, straight-talking style was seen as a perfect foil to Rohit's more laid-back captaincy. The board agreed, and Gambhir was handed the reins of the Indian team.

For a brief period, the arrangement seemed to work. The team started the season with a clear vision. But the cracks began to show during the high-pressure tour of Australia.

The Breakdown in Australia

The report claims that the "mutual trust" between Rohit and Gambhir took a severe hit during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Sources cited in the report suggest that differences in strategy and man-management became too wide to bridge.

It is understood that Gambhir's direct approach clashed with Rohit's preference for a more consultative style. Several team meetings are said to have become tense, with both men holding firm to their respective plans.

The report indicates that this friction affected the team's morale. Players were reportedly caught in the middle, unsure of whose instructions to follow in crucial match situations.

What Went Wrong

Key decisions during the series are now being questioned. The report hints that selection calls and on-field tactics became a point of contention. What started as professional disagreement slowly eroded the personal equation between the two.

Both Rohit and Gambhir are known for their fierce competitiveness. When that competitive spirit turned inward, it created an environment of distrust. The report states that the coach felt his authority was being undermined, while the captain felt his experience was being sidelined.

Neither the BCCI nor the team management has officially commented on the report. The news has, however, sent ripples through the cricketing fraternity, raising questions about the future of the coaching staff.

The team is currently on a break. The next major assignment is a home series, and all eyes will be on the dressing room dynamics. Whether this reported rift can be mended or will lead to a change in leadership remains to be seen.