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Former India captain Virat Kohli's decision to retire from Test cricket could have been influenced by developments inside the Indian dressing room, according to a report by CricBlogger. The report claimed that uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma's position in the team and the changing power dynamics under head coach Gautam Gambhir contributed to an uneasy atmosphere within the squad.
It also alleged that the reported fallout between Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir created widespread insecurity among players. However, neither Virat Kohli, Rohit, Gambhir, nor the BCCI has publicly commented on these claims.
Did Rohit Sharma's treatment influence Virat Kohli's Test retirement?
According to the CricBlogger report, one of the factors that may have influenced Virat Kohli's Test retirement in May 2025 was the way Rohit Sharma was reportedly handled during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Virat Kohli reportedly became concerned after seeing Rohit Sharma, then India's Test captain, left out of the playing XI for the Sydney Test. Sources suggested that the incident raised questions in Kohli's mind about how secure even senior players were under the new leadership structure.
According to the report, despite India winning the Champions Trophy earlier in the year, Virat Kohli was reportedly uncertain about his own long-term place in the Test side after witnessing the developments involving Rohit Sharma.
The report further claimed that players of Virat Kohli's stature would not want to find themselves in a situation where their future depended on sudden selection calls after years of service to Indian cricket.
Why Team India players are uncertain under Gautam Gambhir
The report also painted a picture of growing uncertainty within the Indian dressing room. According to sources quoted in the report, only Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi currently feel secure about their places in the squad, while most other players remain unsure of their standing.
Gautam Gambhir's credibility inside the dressing room has weakened following several controversial selection decisions involving senior players. This uncertainty has created an uncomfortable environment, with players increasingly unsure about their roles and future opportunities.
According to the report, the atmosphere has become more challenging because selection decisions are perceived to be changing rapidly, leaving players uncertain about what is expected of them.
How Gautam Gambhir took complete control of Team India
According to the report, Rohit Sharma initially gave Gautam Gambhir considerable freedom after his appointment as India's head coach.
Unlike Rahul Dravid, who largely allowed the captain to handle cricketing matters on the field, Gautam Gambhir is said to have gradually become more involved in decision-making as India's results declined.
The report claimed India's defeats against New Zealand in two home Tests proved to be a turning point and ahead of the third Test of that series, Gautam Gambhir effectively assumed complete control over cricketing decisions, with his influence continuing to grow thereafter.
Several major decisions that followed, including discussions around Jasprit Bumrah's captaincy during the Australia tour, Rohit's omission for the Sydney Test and subsequent leadership changes, were all led by Gambhir.
Why the Rohit Sharma-Gautam Gambhir row affected the dressing room
These reported differences between Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir eventually extended beyond just the two individuals.
The relationship between the captain and head coach deteriorated significantly after Gautam Gambhir assumed greater influence within the team. This reported face-off created a sense of instability inside the dressing room and contributed to what sources described as a "toxic" environment.
The uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma's own position is also claimed to have affected the wider squad, with players reportedly unsure about how future selection decisions would be made.
The report further argued that if Rohit Sharma is eventually removed from India's ODI plans, the situation could intensify further as the former captain may choose not to remain silent and could publicly challenge the narrative surrounding his exit, potentially bringing additional scrutiny on Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach.
