IND vs AUS: Gautam Gambhir sends Ultimatum to India players, Tension in Dressing Room ahead of Sydney Test | Report

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India head coach Gautam Gambhir, known for his honesty and passion, has reportedly lambasted the players after their defeat in Melbourne.

An explosive report by The Indian Express has exposed growing tension within the Indian cricket camp, with head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly delivering a scathing ultimatum to players following the team's dramatic loss to Australia in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The report paints a grim picture of a fractured playing group and coaching staff struggling to align as India prepares for the must-win final Test in Sydney to level the series and retain the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India's collapse on the final day at the MCG, where the team lost seven wickets in the final session, was the breaking point for Gambhir. According to The Indian Express, the former India opener addressed the squad in the dressing room after the loss, saying, "Bahut ho gaya (I've had enough)."

Gambhir reportedly accused players of prioritizing their "natural game" over playing according to the situation, which he said was unacceptable. "Some of you are doing your own thing in the name of the natural game," Gambhir is reported to have said.

The India coach has made it clear the team's lack of discipline would no longer be tolerated under his leadership. He reportedly told the players that while he had given them freedom to play their way for the past six months, things would now change.

"From now on, I will decide how you play," he is said to have declared after the dismal defeat in Melbourne.

The report also revealed that Gambhir's frustration extends beyond the MCG loss. Gambhir feels the team has not met expectations since the home series against Bangladesh in September.

Furthermore, the dressing room atmosphere has reportedly been "far from ideal" for some time, with tension brewing between players and the coaching staff. Multiple sources described the environment as fractured, adding to the team's struggles on the field.

And adding to that, Gambhir's ultimatum to players comes with stern consequences. Players who won't adhere to the proper way of playing may face expulsion from the India team in the coming days.

India will start the calendar year with the final encounter against Australia in Sydney. They will have to win the match to keep their hopes alive for the WTC Final.