India’s campaign in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 hit another low as their struggles persisted in the ongoing third Test against Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane. The decision to bowl first after winning the toss backfired, with Australia amassing a commanding first-innings total of 445 runs. This left India grappling with their game plan and added to the mounting scrutiny of their performances.
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has further ignited debate by suggesting a rift between Indian captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit claimed the two are “not on the same page,” drawing comparisons to the cohesive partnership Rohit shared with former coach Rahul Dravid. Basit pointed to India’s tactical inconsistencies during the series as evidence of a lack of alignment between the captain and the coach.
India’s bowling performance at The Gabba highlighted these struggles. While Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stellar six-wicket haul, his efforts were overshadowed by Australia’s dominance, particularly through a 241-run partnership between Travis Head and Steve Smith, both of whom scored centuries. The lack of support from the rest of the bowling unit allowed the hosts to dictate terms, further exposing the cracks in India’s approach.
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The issues didn’t end with the ball. Australia’s pacers dismantled India’s top order, reducing them to 48/4 in their first innings. This collapse revealed the Indian batting lineup’s continued vulnerability against quality bowling, with no answers to Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood’s relentless attack.
Adding fuel to the fire, Basit Ali criticized India’s team selection and strategy. He questioned the absence of spinners Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin, especially given Australia’s left-handed-heavy lineup.
Basit Ali also highlighted India’s puzzling decision to bowl first in Brisbane, contrary to the historical advantage of batting first at The Gabba. “In all three Tests, a different spinner played,” he remarked. “If you have three left-handers in the Australian lineup, why not Sundar or Ashwin?”
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Basit further noted India’s lack of a left-arm pacer in their squad, an angle that has troubled Australian batters like Head in the past. “We’ve seen bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi or Mir Hamza trouble Head with that angle. Even Bumrah had to resort to bowling round the wicket to create similar challenges,” he added.
India’s inconsistent performances and internal challenges have become a talking point, with pressure mounting on the team to regroup and find a way forward. As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy continues, questions about leadership harmony, tactical clarity, and team cohesion remain unanswered, casting a shadow over India’s aspirations in the series.
