Gautam Gambhir: Kohli and Rohit’s Test Future is Up to Them

Gautam Gambhir: Kohli and Rohit’s Test Career Decisions Are Theirs

Following India’s loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, uncertainty surrounds the futures of captain Rohit Sharma and senior batter Virat Kohli. Rohit, who stepped down during the Sydney Test, and Kohli, who recorded his seventh score of 20 or fewer in the series, both face questions about their positions in the team. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has extended his support to both players, acknowledging their immense contribution to Indian cricket. However, Gambhir emphasized that the ultimate decision regarding their future in Test cricket rests with Rohit and Kohli themselves. The duo must decide whether to continue or step away from the format.

“I can’t talk about the future of any player,” Gambhir said at the press conference after the series. “It’s up to them as well. But yes, 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, that whatever they plan, they will plan for the best interest of Indian cricket.”

Rohit has struggled in his last eight Test matches, averaging just 10.93 with only one score over fifty. Speaking to Star Sports during lunch on the second day, he explained his decision to sit out the fifth Test, believing it would be challenging for the team to win with so many out-of-form batters. He also made it clear that he is not retiring from Test cricket.

Meanwhile, Kohli continues to battle frustration with his vulnerability outside the off stump. Despite scoring an unbeaten century in Perth, he has been dismissed with his outside edge caught by the wicketkeeper or slips in all eight of his other innings. In Melbourne, he was visibly dejected after falling in this manner, slumping over his bat in disappointment. In Sydney, he reacted with anger, yelling at himself and punching his leg.

“First of all, every individual knows where their game and hunger is,” Gambhir, who had himself gone through a phase late in his career where he was out of form but battling to make the team. “That’s the most important thing for any sport and any profession. It’s not just about the sport.

“It’s about how hungry you are, how passionate you are, and whether the team is moving forward with your contribution or not. Because ultimately, it’s neither my team, nor your team, it’s the country’s team. I believe, as I said, there are very honest players in our dressing room who know how hungry they are.

“But yes, as far as my question is concerned, my biggest responsibility is that I have to be fair to everyone in that room. Not only one or two individuals. If I’m fair to only two or three individuals, and not to everyone else, then I’m being dishonest to my job. So whether it’s a player who hasn’t debuted yet, or a player who has played 100 Test matches, my simple goal in my job is that I have to be absolutely fair and equal to everyone.”

India won’t play another Test match until June 2025, when they tour England for a five-match series. By then, Rohit will be 38, and Kohli will be nearing 37.

“A lot of things change in sport. Forms change. People change. Attitude change. Everything changes in sport. And we all know that five months is a long time. So, let’s see before the [England] series what’s going to happen. But whatever will happen, will happen for the best interest of Indian cricket.”

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