Image: AB de Villiers addressed the rumoured rift within the Indian dressing room / © India Times
Amid the dressing room rifts surrounding the Indian team, AB de Villiers has addressed the rumours regarding a potential fallout between Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and the players. Following India’s 1-3 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which led to their exit from the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, reports suggested internal tensions within the team. It was speculated that a senior player, dubbed “Mr. Fix It”, might be vying for the interim captaincy. He said:
I know there have been some rumours. I’m not surprised. When there’s smoke, there’s fire. I’ve been part of dressing rooms where it’s been hostile. Especially when you’re away from home, you’re missing your family, and you’re not playing the best cricket of your career. The dressing room is crucial, especially away from home. It’s easier at home. I have no doubt that the Indian team dressing room might have lost that a little bit over the last weeks in Australia. When you start losing faith in each other, you might as well sit on the sides and hand over the trophy. I don’t have facts with regard to the Indian dressing room. I’ll wait for facts to see who’s been niggling with who.
De Villiers, who has experienced similar tensions in his career, commented on the issue, saying, “When there’s smoke, there’s fire”. He acknowledged the possibility of a strained environment within the team, especially while touring abroad, away from family, and not performing at their best. The former South African batter emphasized the importance of trust and unity in the dressing room, highlighting how crucial this atmosphere is, particularly on away tours. While de Villiers lacks specific details about the Indian dressing room, he is awaiting more facts before making conclusions.