Gambhir has opened up about the controversy regarding the dressing room. The coach asserted that few discussions should remain inside the four walls. 

"Debates between coach and player should remain in the dressing room. Stern words. They were just reports, not the truth," Gambhir stated in the pre-match press conference on Thursday. 

"Indian cricket will be in safe hands till honest people stay in the dressing room. The only thing that keeps you in the dressing room is performance. There were honest words, and honesty is important," he added. 

Reports published yesterday suggested that Gambhir allegedly criticised senior players Kohli and skipper Sharma for their poor performances.

Clarifying the situation, he stated, "Every individual knows the areas they need to work on. We've only had one conversation with them, and that's about how to win Test matches.”

The Indian team faces a setback as head coach confirms fast bowler Akash Deep will miss the final Test due to workload concerns on hard Australian pitches. Deep, who claimed five wickets in the Brisbane and Melbourne Tests but struggled with dropped catches, leaves India’s bowling attack weakened. Harshit Rana or Prasidh Krishna are likely replacements.

The Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, has also confirmed their XI. In the few significant changes, all-rounder Beau Webster will debut while replacing Mitchell Marsh. However, the rumours about Mitchell Starc missing out on the game were dismissed by the skipper, who is recovering from a rib niggle and is fit to play. 

“He was never going to miss this one,” said Cummins in the press conference, further showcasing Starc's commitment and focus towards the Australian team. 

After a defeat in the fourth Test in Melbourne, Team India aims to level the series in the final Test starting 3rd January in Sydney. A victory would keep their World Test Championship (WTC) final hopes alive, though Australia remains the favourite to claim the remaining spot. South Africa has already secured their place in the final by defeating Pakistan.