Everything Boils Down to Temperament: Gambhir on India’s Batting Woes
Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, stressed the importance of domestic cricket in shaping a high-performing Test side. Speaking at a press conference in Sydney after India’s 1-3 series loss to Australia, Gambhir advocated for all players committed to red-ball cricket to actively participate in the domestic circuit, particularly the Ranji Trophy.
“I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket,” Gambhir said. “That is how much importance it needs to be given. Not just one game, but consistently.”
His comments came in the wake of India’s persistent batting struggles during the 10-Test season, which began in September. Across nine innings in Australia, India failed to cross the 200-run mark six times. At home against New Zealand, they suffered three similar collapses, including a shocking 46 all-out in Bengaluru. Gambhir attributed these issues partly to spicy, result-oriented pitches and partly to the lack of domestic cricket exposure among senior players. For example, Virat Kohli last played a Ranji Trophy match in 2012, Rohit Sharma in 2015, and neither Jasprit Bumrah nor Rishabh Pant has featured in the tournament since their Test debuts in 2018.
“If they are available and committed to red-ball cricket, everyone should play domestic cricket. Without giving it importance, you can’t produce the players you want for Test cricket,” Gambhir explained.
Temperament: The Key to Test Success
Gambhir acknowledged that India’s batting issues weren’t solely due to inexperience, as most players in the squad had prior exposure to Australian conditions. However, he emphasized that success in Test cricket depends on temperament and the willingness to grind through challenging phases.
“It’s not just about young players,” Gambhir said. “Most of our players have experience in Australia. It’s about temperament—how much you’re willing to fight through tough moments, play each session, and sometimes just survive a challenging spell. That’s the beauty of Test cricket.”
He highlighted the team’s inability to convert starts into big scores. “The key issue is converting 20s, 30s, and 40s into centuries—big centuries that can set up the game for the bowlers. Without a strong first-innings total, the bowling department is always under pressure,” Gambhir explained.
Senior Players Under Scrutiny
The series spotlighted the underwhelming performances of senior players, particularly Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Kohli struggled against deliveries outside the off-stump, while Rohit’s poor form kept him out of the final Test in Sydney. Gambhir refrained from speculating on their future, stating that their hunger and passion for the game would determine their paths.
“I can’t comment on any player’s future,” Gambhir said. “It’s up to them. What matters is whether their contributions help the team move forward. Ultimately, it’s not about individual players—it’s about the team representing the country.”
Gambhir emphasized his responsibility to treat every player fairly, regardless of experience. “I have to be fair to everyone in the team, whether it’s a debutant or someone with 100 Test matches. My job is to ensure equal treatment for all,” he added.
Missed Opportunities and Positives
Despite the series defeat, Gambhir highlighted moments where India had opportunities to turn the tide. He pointed to the drawn Brisbane Test and the close first innings in Sydney, where India managed a lead despite posting only 185.
“We had our moments,” Gambhir said. “If we had batted better in certain situations, like the second innings in Sydney, and set a target of 250-300, things could have been different. It’s not just about blaming one department. To improve, we need to perform better in all areas—batting, bowling, and fielding.”
Gambhir also noted several positives from the tour. The series was a learning experience for young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Reddy, and Washington Sundar, who were touring Australia for the first time.
“Australia is one of the toughest places to play, and a five-Test series adds to the challenge,” Gambhir said. “Players like Yashasvi and Nitish showed promise, and Mohammad Siraj’s attitude was outstanding. Even when he wasn’t fully fit, he gave his all, showing what it means to play for the country.”
Looking Ahead
Gambhir remains optimistic about the team’s future, emphasizing the importance of learning from failures and maintaining a fighting spirit. “We have a talented group of players. It’s about adapting, improving, and ensuring we make the most of our opportunities in the future,” he said.
The six-month gap before India’s next Test assignment in England provides a chance to regroup, reflect, and address the issues exposed during this grueling season. While the series loss to Australia was a setback, it also highlighted areas for growth and reaffirmed the importance of domestic cricket as the foundation for Test success.
