Former India batter Aakash Chopra has vehemently dismissed rumors suggesting that head coach Gautam Gambhir could be ousted if the team fails to perform in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. These rumors emerged after India’s humiliating whitewash at home by New Zealand, marking their first Test series loss on home soil in nearly 12 years.
A report in Dainik Jagran had claimed that Gambhir could be removed from his role in Test cricket if India fails to impress in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22. The report also speculated that former India batter and current National Cricket Academy (NCA) chief VVS Laxman could be asked to take over.
However, Chopra has strongly refuted this narrative, labeling it as “malicious intent.” He emphasized that it is premature to consider such drastic measures after Gambhir’s recent appointment as head coach.
“I feel it is an absolute rumor. This news seems absolutely baseless that if Team India doesn’t perform well in Border-Gavaskar Trophy, then change the coach. Have different coaches for different formats. I’d say it’s a little too soon. I see this rumor being floated around with malicious intent. Gambhir has just been made the head coach. It does not happen like this that if players are not performing, fire the coach. This is not the way. I do not agree with this thinking at all. I am discarding this kind of report,” Chopra stated in a video on his YouTube channel.
Nevertheless, Chopra acknowledged that Gambhir should be held accountable for the team’s recent performance, given that the BCCI had granted all his requests, including the appointment of his own coaching staff.
“Whatever Gautam asked for, the BCCI gave him. Publicly, Gautam had said in the past that Team India should have Indian coaches but when he asked for Ryan ten Doeschate and Morne Morkel, the board agreed. When Gautam asked for senior players in Sri Lanka, the board said yes to it. Liberty was given in making pitches as well. When so much happens, then accountability is obvious,” he added.
India’s tour of Australia will commence with the first Test in Perth on November 22. The team will be eager to redeem themselves after their disappointing home series against New Zealand.
