'Rohit, Gambhir not on same page'- Basit Ali amid India's poor show in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali feels that there is some tension between Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir, reckoning that the duo is "not on the same page". His remarks come after India's 10-wicket loss in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide and a poor show in the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Brisbane.

The Indian team’s situation has turned from bad to worse with the top-order failing again as they ended a rain-interrupted day 3 in Brisbane at 51/4, trailing by a massive margin of 394 runs. It is safe to say that the hosts are in complete control and look set to secure a big lead. Meanwhile, Rohit's captaincy and decision-making is under scrutiny ever since India's one-sided loss in Adelaide. 

Also read: Watch: 'Sar mein Kuch hai' - Rohit Sharma lashes out at Akash Deep after Australia's total skyrockets

“Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir are not on the same page, be it the one-day tournament in Sri Lanka; Bangladesh, which was a weak series; or the New Zealand series after that," Basit said on his YouTube channel.

The 54-year-old also highlighted some of the questionable decisions taken by the visiting team, including the constant chopping and changing in the playing XI. 

“I can explain it very easily. In all three Tests matches, a different spinner played. In two Test matches, they batted after winning the toss, but here they chose to bowl. There are three left-handers in the Australian batting....So why not (Washington) Sundar and why not (Ravichandran) Ashwin? Anybody who understands cricket will definitely talk about it," Basit added.

India's last tour of Australia turned out to be one of the most iconic events in their cricketing history as an inexperienced visiting team breached Australia's fortress, the Gabba, to register a 2-1 win. While the current situation does not look good, Rohit and Co. will be hoping to create something similar in the remainder of the series.