The Indian cricket team did not fracture following their defeat in the fourth Test in Melbourne. Tension had been palpable since their arrival in Australia in November. Even a remarkable victory in the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth failed to unify the squad. Currently, the divide between captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir seems to be at its peak, particularly as Rohit has chosen to rest during the series-deciding fifth and final Test in Sydney. A report from The Australian indicated that the Indian team has not been cohesive for an extended period.

After being dismissed for 150 runs in their first innings, Captain Jasprit Bumrah—filling in for Rohit during his paternity leave—delivered an impressive fast-bowling performance that reinvigorated India's chances in the match. In the second innings, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli contributed significantly with the bat, leading India to their largest overseas victory by 295 runs, thus taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Despite this remarkable comeback, which would typically galvanize any visiting team, it reportedly did little to foster unity within the Indian side. There were no celebrations; in fact, the team refrained from gathering for drinks or meals together.

"They did not linger in the dressing room for refreshments or even venture out for a meal as a group. Instead, they dispersed into smaller factions and went their separate ways. The closest they came to a collective outing was when a small group of seven or eight, including a couple of assistant coaches, dined at Nobu, the upscale Japanese restaurant chain," the report stated.

Gambhir was in his hotel, a few payers were spotted in small groups

The report indicated that Gambhir opted to remain in his hotel room while the players were seen mingling in small groups. Despite the team's impressive victory, a senior member of the support staff attempted to treat the players to drinks using his credit card, but this initiative did not succeed.

The head coach, Gautam Gambhir, chose to enjoy a quiet Indian meal with his family. Later that evening, some of the younger players were observed wandering around Hay Street.

This occurred even after a senior support staff member had offered his credit card to purchase drinks for the team, encouraging them to celebrate their achievement together. However, as he later recounted, the players were not particularly interested, each having their own plans.

Following the Perth Test, India's performance on the cricket field deteriorated significantly. They suffered a 10-wicket defeat in the pink-ball day-night Test. The outcome of the third Test in Brisbane could have mirrored this if not for rain intervening. Tensions escalated at the MCG when India lost seven wickets in just 20.4 overs during the final session of Day 5, resulting in a loss. Coach Gambhir engaged in an "honest conversation" with several team members, emphasizing that performance is the sole criterion for maintaining a place in the Indian squad.

As a consequence, Captain Rohit Sharma made the decision to sit out. This choice came after he managed only 31 runs in five innings across three Tests. The year 2024 ultimately became Rohit's least productive in Test cricket, amassing 619 runs in 26 innings over 14 matches, with an average of 24.76.

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