“Jo cricket ko izzat nahin dega, tata bye-bye” - Former Pakistan cricketer’s advice for Gautam Gambhir after 1-3 loss in BGT 2024-25

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes India head coach Gautam Gambhir should put an end to the superstar culture in the side, similar to Pakistan's head coach Aaqib Javed. Ali's remarks came after India suffered a 1-3 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test series defeat in Australia, making it six losses in their last eight red-ball outings.

Gambhir's coaching stint has begun on a dismal note, with India losing an ODI series in Sri Lanka 0-2 and a home Test series to New Zealand 0-3 before the recent Australia debacle. Meanwhile, Aaqib managed to turn Pakistan's fortunes around in a home Test series in England in October last year.

After the side lost the opening Test, Aaqib left out several big names, including Babar Azam, for the rest of the series. The move paid rich dividends as Pakistan bounced back and won the best-of-three series 2-1.

Talking about the same on his YouTube channel 'Basit Ali,' the 54-year-old said (as quoted by TOI):

"It's the best time for Gautam Gambhir to adopt Aaqib Javed's philosophy: 'cricket ko izzat do; jo cricket ko izzat nahi dega, ta-ta bye bye (give respect to cricket; the ones who don't, they will be out of the team). That should be the message. Aaqib ended the superstar culture in the Pakistan team. Those who thought 'I am important,' he told them, 'It's your false notion.' He said every player is equal."

The back-to-back Test series losses meant India will not be part of the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the first time, having finished runners-up in 2021 and 2023.

"I have to be absolutely honest, equal and fair to everyone" - Gautam Gambhir

BOXING DAY TEST: DEC 08 NRMA Insurance Day-Night Test - Source: Getty

After the Test series defeat in Australia, India head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized maintaining fairness and equality for all players in the dressing room.

Two of India's stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have been feeling the heat after poor returns in the New Zealand and Australia series.

In the press conference after India's defeat in the final Test in Sydney, Gambhir said (via TOI):

"To keep the dressing room happy, I have to be absolutely honest, equal and fair to everyone. I know we haven't got the result, and it is frustrating, it is challenging; but whatever we can do in the best interest of Indian cricket, that will continue to happen in that dressing room."

He added:

"As I have said before, there are honest players in our dressing room who know how hungry they are and if the Indian team can move forward with their contribution. But as far as I am concerned, my biggest responsibility is that I have to be fair to everyone in that room, not one or two individuals."

India's next Test assignment will be a five-match series in England, starting in June. Meanwhile, the side will be in action against England for five T20Is and three ODIs, starting January 22.