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India National Cricket Team could be headed for another major controversy if reports surrounding Rohit Sharma's future prove to be true. According to a report by CricBlogger, the selectors are considering moving on from the veteran opener, a decision that could have consequences beyond Rohit Sharma's own career.
The report claims that if Rohit Sharma is pushed out of the side, he could bring down head coach Gautam Gambhir with him, as an anti-Gambhir narrative is expected to gather pace. Notably, neither the BCCI, Rohit, nor Gautam Gambhir has publicly commented on these claims.
Why Rohit Sharma could take on Gautam Gambhir after ODI exit
According to the CricBlogger report, Rohit is unlikely to accept an ODI exit without responding publicly. Sources quoted in the report claimed that the veteran batter believes several recent decisions have gone against him and that he may attempt to counter the narrative surrounding his departure.
Gautam Gambhir has reportedly been pushing for changes involving Rohit's place in the Indian team for some time. It further claimed that if the 39-year-old is eventually removed from the ODI setup, he could direct attention towards the role played by the head coach in those decisions.
Such a scenario could create fresh challenges for Gambhir, whose standing inside the dressing room has reportedly weakened over recent months, and insecurity has crept inside the team.
What led to the Rohit Sharma-Gautam Gambhir fallout?
The reported breakdown in Rohit and Gautam Gambhir's relationship happened after India's difficult Test season.
Then-Indian skipper initially gave Gambhir considerable freedom after he replaced Rahul Dravid as head coach. Unlike the previous coaching setup, where Dravid largely allowed the captain to control cricketing decisions on the field, Gambhir is said to have gradually taken on a much more influential role.
Following India's defeats against New Zealand in home Tests, Gambhir assumed greater control over team matters before the third Test of the series. From that point onwards, he effectively became the primary decision-maker on several cricketing issues.
The relationship between Rohit and Gambhir deteriorated after a series of major calls. These reportedly included discussions over Jasprit Bumrah leading India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Rohit's omission from the playing XI for the Sydney Test and subsequent leadership changes after India's Champions Trophy triumph.
These developments created tension between the two senior figures, although neither Rohit nor Gambhir has publicly acknowledged any disagreement.
How Gautam Gambhir pushed for Rohit Sharma's ODI exit
The report further alleged that Gautam Gambhir played a significant role in the discussions surrounding Rohit's ODI future.
According to the report, the head coach backed the idea of moving beyond Rohit as India begin preparing for the next ODI World Cup cycle. Sources claimed that Gambhir's views aligned with those of a senior selector who has reportedly been influential in recent selection decisions.
However, the proposal to remove Rohit from the ODI setup has not been viewed positively by everyone inside the Indian dressing room. It claimed Gambhir's credibility has taken a hit among several players following recent selection decisions.
Also, the uncertainty over selection has become a recurring issue within the squad, adding that frequent changes have left many players unsure about their long-term roles.
Why Rohit Sharma may refuse to leave quietly
According to the same report, Rohit's response to a possible ODI axing may extend beyond simply accepting the decision.
The opener could use his extensive public relations network to challenge the narrative surrounding his exit and shift attention towards the management's handling of the situation.
In Rohit Sharma's view, the issue is no longer limited to losing his place in the team but has become one involving his reputation, legacy and standing in Indian cricket.
The report drew comparisons with the reaction that followed Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians captain, and Gautam Gambhir could find himself in a similar kind of situation.
