Mumbai:India has experienced a disappointing run, losing six of their last eight Test matches. Their fortunes were somewhat salvaged by favorable weather in Brisbane, while the victory in Perth stands out as the sole positive outcome. This series of defeats in Australia followed a significant loss to New Zealand on home soil. In terms of critical losses, this period is comparable to India's eight defeats in 11 Tests during the 2011-12 season, which included four losses each in England and Australia.

Following those losses in Australia, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman did not participate in any subsequent Tests. R Ashwin announced his retirement during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, and it is probable that he will not be the only one to step away after the 3-1 series defeat. Given the influence of several prominent players, it is unlikely that any decisions regarding retirements will be made without the input of BCCI officials.

The BCCI Special General Meeting scheduled for Sunday will see Devajit Saikia assume the role of new secretary. Before he engages with the team management and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for a review of the series, board officials have indicated that Rohit Sharma's statement, "I am not going anywhere," made during an interview with Star Sports while he was absent from the SCG Test, should not be overinterpreted, especially in light of media speculation regarding his potential retirement.

While the official narrative suggests that Rohit "stepped down" from the Sydney Test, his poor performance as an opener in the fourth Test loss in Melbourne—leading to Shubman Gill's exclusion, KL Rahul's demotion to No. 3, and the inclusion of a backup all-rounder—was a significant factor in his removal from the playing eleven. Rohit's aggressive batting style had not yielded results against New Zealand, and a more cautious approach in Australia resulted in a disappointing batting average of 6.20.

A BCCI official, who chose to remain unnamed, stated, "Rohit was awaiting clarity on whether India could secure a spot in the WTC final. The onus is now on him to determine if he will continue to vie for a position." Ultimately, the final decision will be made by Ajit Agarkar and his selection committee.

By the time India embarks on their next Test series in England five months from now, the situation is expected to have stabilized. Although an abundance of white-ball cricket may temporarily mask underlying issues, the declining performance in Test cricket necessitates a comprehensive evaluation.

A significant takeaway from the series review following the 0-3 defeat against New Zealand was the need for better alignment between the team management and selectors. The decision to start with inexperienced Harshit Rana as the preferred fast bowler over Prasidh Krishna, who had performed well in the pre-series tour match, and the realization after two Tests that Ravindra Jadeja should be the primary spinner, alongside the misjudgment of selecting two spinners on a pace-friendly Sydney pitch instead of adding an extra fast bowler during a lengthy tour with an overworked Jasprit Bumrah, reflected poorly on the team management.

The origins of these tactical missteps—whether they stem from head coach Gautam Gambhir, the captain, a lack of consensus between the two, or a breakdown in communication with the selectors—are all subjects of examination.

The official from the board stated, "The issue extends beyond merely the Australian tour. The decision to employ rank turners at home, coupled with a failure to deliver results, marked the initial obstacle that impeded India's prospects for the WTC finals." In the aftermath of the defeat to New Zealand, certain selectors privately claimed they had "no role" in the pitch selection process.

This situation casts a spotlight on Gambhir's contributions. Many of his strategies in white-ball formats have not translated successfully to Test matches. India’s journey under Gambhir commenced with a loss in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. The upcoming series of ODIs, starting with the home matches against England and leading into the ICC Champions Trophy in February-March, carries significant importance.

While Gambhir has been appointed by the BCCI until 2027, there is an increasing urgency for his strategies to yield positive outcomes.

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