Gautam Gambhir has addressed questions about the Test futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, following India’s 3-1 series loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While supporting the players, the head coach emphasized that the final decision lies with them.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Recent Struggles
Rohit Sharma, who chose to sit out the fifth Test in Sydney, has averaged just 10.93 in his last eight matches, with only one fifty-plus score. Speaking to Star Sports, Rohit clarified that he isn’t retiring from Test cricket but admitted his decision to step aside was based on the team’s need to manage out-of-form players.
Virat Kohli, on the other hand, has been struggling outside the off stump. While he scored an unbeaten hundred in Perth, he was dismissed in similar fashion in all eight other innings during the series. His frustration was evident in his reactions, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney.
Gautam Gambhir on Players’ Hunger and Passion
Gautam Gambhir, who has faced his own struggles with form in the past, said, “Every individual knows where their hunger and passion lie.” He emphasized that senior players must contribute meaningfully to the team’s success and acknowledged the need for fairness when evaluating performances.
“It’s not about one or two individuals,” Gambhir added. “This is the country’s team, and decisions must be in the best interest of Indian cricket.”
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Long-Term Test Plans for India
India’s next Test series is scheduled for June 2025 in England, a five-match series. By then, Rohit will be 38, and Kohli will be 37. When asked about investing in younger players, Gambhir said, “Five months is a long time in cricket. Forms, attitudes, and situations can change.”
He urged patience and stressed that decisions would be made closer to the series in the best interest of Indian cricket.
Importance of Domestic Cricket
Gautam Gambhir strongly advocated for players to participate in the Ranji Trophy, particularly those not involved in upcoming white-ball fixtures. “If you’re available and committed to red-ball cricket, you should play domestic cricket,” he said.
India’s next international fixtures are T20I and ODI series against England at home in January-February, followed by matches in the Champions Trophy in the UAE. The Ranji Trophy resumes on January 23, providing an opportunity for Test hopefuls to prove their form.