“What have they done?” – Former batter slams India’s coaching staff after batting failures in BGT 2024-25

Former Indian cricketer-turned-broadcaster Sunil Gavaskar questioned the effectiveness of India's coaching staff, asserting that they have not succeeded in improving the batting unit, which continues to underperform consistently. This followed India’s failure to retain the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), as they lost the fifth Test in Sydney by six wickets, with Australia securing the series 3-1.

With this defeat, India also lost their chance to qualify for a third consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final. Speaking on Star Sports, the 75-year-old raised questions about the support staff, highlighting the repeated failures of the batters—first in the home series against New Zealand and now in the BGT.

Gavaskar said:

“What was your coaching staff doing? The bowling coach, the batting coach, see against New Zealand when we had been bowled for 46, and the way we were defeated in the remaining matches, our batting was not strong enough. Here also our batting was not strong enough, so questions should be asked what have you guys done?

"Why can't we see any improvement? We understand here the bowling was top class and our batters couldn't face them, fine. Even the greatest batters have difficulty in facing good bowling. But when good bowling is not happening then tell me what has the coaching staff done? You may ask should we change the batting order, I will ask should we change the coaching staff," he added.

The Indian legend also questioned how the coaching staff plans to improve the batters' performance, with India set to tour England for a five-match Test series later this year. He continued:

“We have 2-3 months before we go to England for a five-match Test series. My focus is not on the Champions Trophy but on the England tour. I will also ask what have you (India coaching staff) done?"

"How do you plan to improve the Indian cricketers? Throw-downs will not get you anything. You had to improve their technique and temperament, which you haven’t done. So make sure that ask questions from the batters who have not made runs, but also ask the coaching staff what have they done?" Gavaskar added.

The Indian support staff includes Gautam Gambhir as head coach, with Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate serving as assistant coaches. Morne Morkel is the bowling coach, while T. Dilip handles fielding.

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Veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled significantly in the 2024-25 BGT

Rohit Sharma returned to the team ahead of the second Test of the 2024-25 BGT but struggled badly, scoring only 31 runs across five innings in three Tests. His poor form eventually led to him dropping himself from the playing XI for the fifth Test.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten century in the first Test but his form dropped significantly in the subsequent matches. Overall, he managed just 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75, with a recurring issue of being dismissed by deliveries outside the off-stump.