Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Future in Question
India’s defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has raised concerns about the futures of captain Rohit Sharma and senior batter Virat Kohli. Rohit stood himself down for the Sydney Test, while Kohli struggled with his form, making his seventh score of 20 or less in the series.
Gambhir’s Support for the Players
Head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed support for both players. However, he made it clear that the final decisions are up to them. “I can’t talk about the future of any player,” Gambhir said. “It’s up to them. But they still have the hunger and passion to move Indian cricket forward.”
Rohit Decision to Sit Out
Rohit has struggled recently, averaging just 10.93 in his last eight Test matches, with only one fifty-plus score. He explained that he chose to sit out the fifth Test because carrying out-of-form batters would have made it hard for the team to win. He also clarified that he wasn’t retiring from Test cricket yet.
Kohli’s Frustration with His Form
Kohli has struggled with his vulnerability outside the off-stump. He made an unbeaten century in Perth, but in his other eight innings, he was dismissed with the ball being caught by the wicketkeeper or in the slips. His frustration showed when he slumped over his bat in Melbourne and punched his leg in Sydney after similar dismissals.
Gambhir’s View on Players’ Hunger and Passion
Gambhir emphasized that every player knows their own hunger and passion. “It’s about how hungry you are, and whether the team is moving forward with your contribution,” he said. Gambhir believes that all players should have the same commitment and be treated fairly, regardless of experience or number of matches played.
Looking Ahead: The Roadmap for Indian Cricket
India does not play another Test match until June 2025, when they tour England. By then, Rohit will be 38 and Kohli will be nearly 37. Gambhir suggested it is too early to talk about the team’s long-term roadmap. “Things change quickly in sport,” he said. “We will plan after five months, before the England series.”
Gambhir Advocates for Domestic Cricket
Looking ahead, Gambhir emphasized the importance of domestic cricket. He encouraged all players, even those not selected for upcoming series, to play in the Ranji Trophy. “If you don’t give importance to domestic cricket, you will never get the players you want in Test cricket,” he said.
The future of Indian cricket will be shaped by the decisions made in the coming months.
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