“The team should be united” – Former India cricketer opens up on talks of differences between Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma after 2024-25 BGT

Legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh recently opined about reports of differences between head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Rohit Sharma following India's meltdown during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar trophy in Australia. The 44-year-old wants the captain and coach to reunite (if the reports of indifference are true) to ensure the Men in Blue put their best foot forward in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

The remarks came weeks after Rohit stepped away from the fifth and final Test against the Aussies in Sydney, citing form issues. Earlier, Gambhir remained tight-lipped on India's playing XI for the fifth test. Meanwhile, there were reports about indifference between the coaching unit and players, especially regarding team protocols following the fourth Test in Melbourne.

Harbhajan Singh said on YouTube:

"The most important thing is that the team should be united, which looked distorted [in Australia]. There are a lot of talks about possible differences between the coach and the team. So, I hope the matter gets sorted out. It’s important for the coach and captain to align. Hopefully, they will combine and do well and hopefully, lead the team to victory."

Gambhir lost the previous two Test series against New Zealand and Australia in home and away conditions. Under his coaching, the Men in Blue lost the ODI series 0-2 in Sri Lanka. The 43-year-old will be hopeful of a turnaround in his fortunes in the upcoming ICC event.

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"They are definitely are under pressure" - Former Australia spinner uncertain about Gautam Gambhir and his coaching staff's future with the Indian cricket team

Meanwhile, former Australia spinner Brad Hogg said he was uncertain about Gautam Gambhir and his coaching staff's future with the Indian cricket team following India's downfall in ODIs and Tests. The 53-year-old also pointed his fingers at the Ajit Agarkar-led Selection Committee. He said on his YouTube channel:

"Is it Gautam Gambhir that’s got to go or a new head coach brings in his own coaching staff or is it the assistant coaches that have to go as well. "

"But for me, you’ve got to look at who is selecting the team. If Gautam Gambhir is part of that well, then questions do have to be asked. I think they are definitely are under pressure," he added.

However, Gambhir tasted success with the Suryakumar Yadav-led side in T20Is, completing two clean sweeps against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.