Gautam Gambhir drops bombshell on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s Test future post-BGT defeat

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has broken his silence on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's future with the Test team after the loss in the fifth Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Gautam Gambhir refused to comment on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's future, stating that it’s up to them.

Virat and Rohit have been going through a lean patch with the bat. The duo failed to live up to expectations in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Rohit missed the first Test and rejoined for the second Test but dropped for the series finale. Apart from the second innings in Perth, Virat failed in all innings.

I Can't Talk About the Future of Any Player - Gautam Gambhir

When asked about the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir said that the decision lies with the players themselves. He stated that both still have the hunger and passion for the game. Gambhir also noted that whatever decisions they make, will be in the best interest of the Indian people.

"So what is the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma that you see?" the reporter asked.

"See, I can't talk about the future of any player, it's up to them as well. But what I can say is that they still have the hunger, they still have the passion, they're tough people. And hopefully they can continue to take Indian cricket forward. But ultimately, as we all know, whatever they plan, they will plan for the best interest of Indian people," Gambhir replied.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's Recent Struggles in Tests

Kohli's recent form has raised questions about his future in Test cricket. He scored just 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75. His struggles, particularly with his frailties outside off-stump, have drawn attention. The batter has managed only three centuries in his last 39 Tests over the past five years.

Rohit scored just 31 runs in five innings at a disappointing average of 6.20 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Over his last 15 Test innings, Rohit has scored 164 runs at an average of 10.93, with one half-century to his name. The Indian cricket team will next play a Test series against England in June.

Rohit Sharma Demonstrated That in the Last Match - Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir also spoke about the discussions surrounding Rohit Sharma’s decision to opt out of a match. He pointed out that when a leader prioritizes the team over personal interests, it should be seen as a positive, not a negative. Gambhir emphasized that the country must always be the top priority.

"The first thing I would like to emphasize is that too many reports and opinions have been circulated. We should approach this more sensibly. If a leader, not necessarily a captain, chooses to prioritize the team over himself, there’s nothing wrong with that," Gambhir stated.

"A lot has been said, but the bottom line is that while individuals may come and go, the team and the country must always remain the priority. I believe everyone, including myself and other players, should put the team above personal interests. Rohit Sharma has exemplified this. We’ve discussed accountability, and it’s something that starts from the top. Rohit demonstrated that in the last match."

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