India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, affirmed that "honest conversations" occurred in the dressing room following India's defeat in the fourth Test against Australia at the MCG in Melbourne. He aimed to quell speculation regarding team discord, labeling such discussions as "just reports, not truth." According to a report from The Indian Express on Wednesday, Gambhir expressed his frustration in the dressing room, criticizing the batters for their lack of application during the final session of the Boxing Day Test, which resulted in India losing seven wickets in just 20.4 overs and conceding the match by 184 runs.

Reportedly, phrases such as "I've had enough" and "intent should not be used as an excuse" were uttered in the aftermath of the loss. Gambhir emphasized that discussions within the dressing room should remain confidential. "Debates between coach and player should stay in the dressing room. They were merely reports, not the truth. Honest dialogue is crucial for team improvement," Gambhir stated during the pre-match press conference ahead of India's fifth and final Test against Australia, set to commence in Sydney on Friday.

Concerns were raised regarding Rishabh Pant's shot selection in both innings of the MCG Test, with his dismissal in the final session on Day 5 precipitating India's collapse. Media reports indicated that Gambhir was particularly displeased with Pant's reckless shot against off-spinner Travis Head. While the former India opener refrained from naming individuals, he confirmed that he had addressed the players collectively.

"Every individual is aware of what needs to be addressed. They recognize the areas requiring improvement. I will not discuss individuals. We win and lose as a team. When representing your country, it is imperative to give your best and strive for maximum contributions. Any discussions between coach and player should remain private. Unfortunately, we tend to focus solely on the outcomes. This sport is characterized by that. The conversations that transpired between two individuals should remain within the dressing room," he remarked.

‘Only conversation with Rohit and Kohli has been how to win in Sydney’: Gambhir

Captain Rohit Sharma and prominent batsman Virat Kohli have been struggling to accumulate runs. While Kohli has managed to secure one century during this tour, Rohit's batting average has plummeted to a record low of 10 over his last 15 innings in red-ball cricket. When questioned about their prospects, Gambhir emphasized the importance of winning the Sydney Test to level the series.

In response to the transitional phase of Indian cricket that commenced with Ravichandran Ashwin retirement following the third Test in Brisbane, Gambhir highlighted the contributions of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy, asserting that Indian cricket remains in capable hands.

"Indian cricket will continue to thrive as long as dedicated individuals are present in the dressing room. The sole factor that ensures your place in the dressing room is performance," he remarked.

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