‘Only Guatam Gambhir can save us’: Fans react to head coach’s shadow practice amid India’s DISASTROUS batting display
New Delhi: After yet another disappointing batting display by India at the Gabba Test, a video featuring Gautam Gambhir doing shadow practice in the dressing room has gone viral on social media. Filmed during a rain delay on December 16, the clip showcases Gambhir demonstrating the technique of leaving a delivery, igniting conversations among fans and cricket analysts alike.
India’s performance in the first innings was far from encouraging, with key players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant all falling victim to single-digit scores. Rohit Sharma’s contribution was a mere 10 runs, putting the team in a tough spot. Nevertheless, KL Rahul’s impressive 84 and Ravindra Jadeja’s steady performance offered a shred of hope in avoiding a follow-on.
The viral status of Gambhir’s shadow practice has led to a surge of humorous reactions from fans, showcasing their growing frustration with the current batting lineup. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, in particular, have come under heavy scrutiny due to their poor form throughout this series.
Gautam Gambhir is so frustrated by team India batters..
He is thinking of batting #INDvsAUS#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/RhO8DNyacn— Film and Cricket Updates (@FilmyKriya) December 16, 2024
THE BIGGEST BREAKING
Gautam Gambhir is all set to replace Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma at The Melbourne.
GG was seen doing shadow practice in the dugout. #ViratKohli #INDvsAUS
#Rohit pic.twitter.com/WpnAyqafMt— Cricket Ka Mela (@cricketkamela) December 16, 2024
BIGGEST BREAKING
– Gautam Gambhir is all set to replace Virat Kohli/ Rohit Sharma at The Melbourne.
– GG was seen doing shadow practice in the dugout. #ViratKohli #INDvsAUS #Rohit pic.twitter.com/OtUuB2IAxP
— Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) December 16, 2024
Under Gambhir’s watchful coaching, India’s batting has faced serious challenges in Test matches, often failing to reach 400 runs in an innings. Alarmingly, there have been seven innings where the scores dipped below 200 out of 14 matches. Rohit Sharma’s average of 11.69 since September and Virat Kohli’s 24.46 have raised red flags regarding their performance.
Gautam Gambhir, one of India’s top Test openers with an impressive 4,154 runs and nine centuries to his name, took over as head coach earlier this year. Given his wealth of experience and accolades, including being named ICC Test Player of the Year in 2009, the current batting struggles feel particularly disheartening.