Thu Jan 02 05:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Gambhir Quashes Dressing Room Dispute Rumors Ahead of Final Australia Test
**Sydney, Australia –** India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has dismissed reports of unrest within the team’s dressing room ahead of the final Test against Australia, starting Friday. Addressing the media in a pre-match press conference, Gambhir stated that any internal debates are strictly private matters.
“Debates between coach and player should remain in the dressing room,” Gambhir asserted. He characterized recent reports of conflict as “just reports, not truth,” emphasizing that “honest words” and a “team-first ideology” are paramount. He stressed that performance is the sole determinant of a player’s place in the team.
Gambhir specifically denied having any discussions with senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma beyond strategic planning for winning the Test matches. He confirmed that pacer Akash Deep will miss the match due to a stiff back but declined to name his replacement.
The final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground is crucial; Australia currently leads the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1 and could retain the trophy with a draw or win. India will be striving for a victory to salvage the series.
First Piper 