‘If You Don't Give Importance To Domestic Cricket…’: Gambhir's Stern Message To Players After BGT Loss

India head coach Gautam Gambhir stressed the need for players to consistently participate in domestic cricket following the team’s 1-3 series loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

“I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket," said Gautam Gambhir.

Source : PTI

Gautam Gambhir, the Team India head coach, emphasized the importance of playing domestic cricket after India’s loss to Australia and in the IND vs AUS 5th Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 on January 5 (Sunday). With the defeat, India lost the five-match series by 1-3, conceding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia for the first time in over 10 years. With India’s next Test assignment over five months away, Gambhir strongly advocated for players, particularly those who are available, to consistently participate in domestic cricket.

Gambhir’s remarks seemed to subtly critique senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have largely steered clear of participating in the prestigious Ranji Trophy red-ball tournament in recent years. However, Gambhir expressed support for the out-of-form veterans, asserting that they still possess the drive to succeed.

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“I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket. That is how much importance domestic cricket needs to be given, and not only one game,” said Gambhir in the post-match conference as quoted by IANS.

“If they are available, and they have the commitment to play red ball cricket, everyone should play domestic cricket. It’s as simple as it can get. If you don't give importance to domestic cricket, you will never get the desired players, and what you want in Test cricket,” added Gambhir.

'They Still Have The Hunger': Gambhir On Kohli, Rohit

While Gambhir did not comment on the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team, he vouched for the veterans’ hunger for the game, hoping they can contribute more for the Indian cricket.

“I can't talk about the future of any player. It is up to them as well. But yes, what I can say is that they still have the hunger and passion, they are tough people. Hopefully they can continue to take Indian cricket forward. But ultimately, as we all know, that whatever they plan, it will be for the best interest of Indian cricket,” said Gambhir.