Sun Nov 03 22:30:00 UTC 2024: ## India Faces Tough Challenge in Australia After New Zealand Defeat: Gambhir Allowed in Selection Meeting
**New Delhi:** The Indian cricket team is set to face a stern test in Australia following a humiliating 3-0 Test series defeat to New Zealand at home. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scheduled for later this month, will see India locked in a five-match Test series against the Aussies. While questions have been raised about the team’s performance, particularly on head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma, Gambhir has been granted a special privilege.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has allowed Gambhir to attend the selection committee meetings for the Australia tour, a privilege not previously extended to former coaches Ravi Shastri or Rahul Dravid. This decision, citing the “gravity of the tour,” breaks the BCCI’s usual policy of excluding coaches from selection meetings.
Gambhir, who has been at the helm for four months, has faced criticism for the team’s recent performances. This includes India’s first-ever 3-0 home Test series defeat to New Zealand and the first time in 24 years that they have been whitewashed at home. The team has also suffered a first-ever 3-0 ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka and lost their first home Test to New Zealand since 1999.
The BCCI’s decision to allow Gambhir to participate in selection meetings is a clear indication of the importance they place on the Australia tour. It remains to be seen if this will translate to a more successful campaign for the Indian team, who will be looking to bounce back from a series of disappointing results.
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