BCCI issues statement on Rohit Sharma-Gautam Gambhir-Ajit Agarkar rift, makes captaincy revelation

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally broken its silence on the rumors of differences between the Indian cricket team's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and captain Rohit Sharma. Media reports claimed a rift between Gambhir and Rohit, especially following India's 1-3 loss to Australia in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

The speculations about the differences have only intensified after Rohit Sharma rested himself from the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney, citing poor form. However, BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla has categorically dismissed the rumors about the cold war between Rohit and Gambhir.

BCCI dismisses rift rumors between Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma

Labeling rumors as "rubbish" spread by certain media sections, the BCCI Vice-President has stressed that there is no discord between the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, and the captain Rohit Sharma, or between the coach and the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar.

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Rajeev Shukla was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times: “It's a completely wrong statement; there is no rift between the chairman of selection (Ajit Agarkar) and the coach; there is no rift between the captain and the coach. This is all rubbish that is being spread in a section of the media.”

Meanwhile, a report in Dainik Jagran recently revealed that Rohit Sharma told BCCI officials during the recent meeting in Mumbai that he will continue as Test and ODI captain until a replacement is finalized. The Indian skipper also assured them that he would fully support their decision.

Rohit has not insisted on captaincy: Rajeev Shukla

Well, this claim was also quashed by the BCCI vice president by affirming that Rohit hasn’t insisted on staying captain. Rajeev Shukla added that Rohit is already the captain and form is just a temporary thing while backing the opener to find his grooves soon. He also asserted that it was Rohit's decision to take a break from the Sydney Test, which India lost by six wickets against Australia.

The BCCI Vice-President further noted, “This is also wrong that Rohit has insisted on captaincy. He is the captain. Form, or lack of form, is part and parcel of the game. These are phases, nothing new. When he saw he was out of form, he dropped himself from the fifth Test.”

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Shukla also confirmed that they reviewed India’s performances in the recent board meeting, and they have already chalked out plans on how to return to winning ways. He signed off by saying, “The review meeting is complete. We have discussed the way forward and how to do well.

BCCI mulling over performance-based pay model?

On the other hand, it is being said that a performance-based pay structure was suggested during the recent review meeting held by the BCCI in Mumbai. This structure was proposed to make players more accountable, with the salaries directed depending on their performance.

If a performance-based pay structure is implemented, poor performance could lead to pay cuts for the Indian players. A BCCI source revealed as quoted by Indian Express, “It was one of the suggestions given that players should be held accountable, and if their performance is deemed not fit as per expectations, they should face variable pay cuts.”