India’s silence and its secret training style ahead of the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 have been questioned. Australian media feels the current India head coach, Gautam Gambhir, is not as popular among the Indian players as Ravi Shastri.
India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin snubbed the press conference and was replaced by bowling coach Morne Morkel.
It has been seven days since India arrived in Perth after their 0-3 defeat against New Zealand. The players are out of form, and the confidence is not there.
According to media reports, the team management and the BCCI put the WACA under a complete lockdown in the first few days of the training sessions. Moreover, none of the Indian players have spoken to the media.
Speaking to Fox Cricket, veteran cricket writer Robert Craddock said that media has been restricted.
“India haven’t uttered a word in Australia. This shouldn’t be the case and it is must for the Indian players to promote the tour.”
However, David Warner’s wife Candice defended the visiting team, saying that this has been India’s style for a long time. “This is how they train in India as well. I have been to India with David for IPL and international matches, and this is the norm followed by the Indian players. They have a huge fan following and need privacy in the training sessions,” she said.
Craddock was supported by sports commentator Robbie Slater. “Indians are looking forward to the Test series in Australia but they can’t discuss it.”
Craddock questioned Gambhir’s relationship with the players. “A paranoid team can’t beat Australia in Australia. Ravi Shastri played a big role in India’s wins in the last two Test series in Australia. He loved the former Australian players, he loved Australia and liked getting out in the country along with the players. You would see him over here during nights, and that attitude won them the series. Gambhir is not as popular among the Indian players as Ravi Shastri.”
