"There were some honest words" - Gautam Gambhir opens up after reports of tough dressing room conversations go viral ahead of BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has addressed the reports of leaked dressing room conversations that emerged after their defeat to Australia in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Reports suggested that while addressing the team after the match, Gambhir had slammed the players' questionable shot selection and warned the squad that such mistakes would not be tolerated in the future.

India were coasting towards a draw at the MCG, having lost only three wickets in the first two sessions of Day 5. However, the Men in Blue lost their way after Rishabh Pant's dismissal in the final session, losing the last seven wickets for just 34 runs in a collapse for the ages. The defeat means India are now trailing 1-2 in the five-match series and need a win in Sydney to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and remain in the race for the World Test Championship (WTC).

While Gambhir quashed the reports, he said some 'honest' words were shared with the squad after the crushing defeat in the fourth Test.

"Those are reports and not the truth. I don't need to comment on any reports. There were some honest words, that's all I can say," Gambhir said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the fifth Test (via India Today).

"Team first. It's a team game, and everyone understands this. Everyone knows what they need to do. Debates between a player and a coach should stay between them. Any conversations in the dressing room should stay in the dressing room," he added.

The pressure is firmly on Gambhir, with reports further suggesting a lack of communication among the structures in the team management. Several players are also reportedly feeling insecure about their spots, given the head coach's tendency to experiment with the playing XI.

"The only thing that can keep you in the dressing room is performance" - Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir asserted the importance of 'honest people,' saying they are integral in taking the Indian team forward.

"Indian cricket will be in safe hands till honest people stay in the dressing room. The only thing that keeps you in the dressing room is performance," he said (via Hindustan Times).

The fifth Test between India and Australia is scheduled to begin on Friday, January 3, at the Sydney Cricket Ground.