Isn’t it important to have a systematic communication between players and team management? This won’t matter much for core players but for the others it is a big issue. Sources told CricBlogger that some of the players are unaware of their inclusion or exclusion from the playing XI until the last moment. It is creating uncertainty and affecting their mental preparation, and will ultimately impact the team’s overall performance. “Clear and timely communication is essential, especially at the international level and this Indian team isn’t following that,” a source said from Australia.
Sometimes, team management waits to assess pitch conditions or players’ fitness before finalizing the XI. At times, players may feel excluded from decision-making processes, leading to frustration and a lack of trust. As the Indian team is haunted by the absence of captain Rohit Sharma and injured Shubman Gill, a constant reshuffling and experimentation, without prior clarity, can disrupt rhythm and morale of any side.
“Establishing clear protocols like informing players about their roles and inclusion well in advance is imperative,” the source suggested.
With Indian coach Gautam Gambhir not spending much time with the players, there is already a mistrust that is developing amongst the players. “Gambhir is mostly taking to Jasprit Bumrah and doesn’t have much to say after a batter’s session gets over other than saying well played,” a team source said.
If the Indian team is indeed dealing with issues of poor communication and internal divisions, it could have a significant impact on their performance in major tournaments. A unified and well-coordinated team is crucial for success, particularly in high-pressure events. The presence of cliques or groups within the team can create tension, reduce trust, and weaken the collective spirit needed to overcome challenges. “If players are forming factions, it suggests a lack of mutual respect and camaraderie, which can hinder collaboration on and off the field,” the source said.
With a 3-0 drubbing at home at the hands of New Zealand, the players are feeling unsupported, leading to decreased motivation and subpar performances. With Rohit also not being there for the first Test match in Perth against Australia, there is already some resentment amongst the players. With the entire blame coming onto the players for not performing as per their expectations, it’s not a happy dressing room right now. The recent loss to New Zealand has also caused some upheaval in recent times.