Gambhir: Plans by Kohli and Rohit Will Prioritize Indian Cricket's Best Interests

Sydney, Jan 5 (NationPress) Speculation has arisen surrounding the international careers of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after India's defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by a score of 3-1. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir remains positive, asserting that any plans made by the senior pair will be focused on the best interests of Indian cricket.

Throughout the five-Test series, Kohli scored a mere 190 runs, falling victim to outside off-stump deliveries on eight occasions. In contrast, Rohit missed the Perth Test to welcome his second child and managed only 31 runs across three Tests, ultimately deciding to step down from the fifth Test in Sydney, which India lost by six wickets, thus jeopardizing their chances for a spot in the 2025 World Test Championship final.

“I cannot comment on any player’s future; that is their decision. Nonetheless, I can affirm that they possess the drive and determination required to propel Indian cricket forward. Ultimately, as we all know, whatever they plan will be for the best interest of Indian cricket,” Gambhir stated to reporters following the series.

He also commended Rohit’s choice to withdraw from the Sydney Test due to poor performance, a decision made amid swirling rumors of unrest within the team. “I must emphasize that numerous reports have circulated and many statements have been made. We should approach this matter with a bit more sensibility.

“If a captain, or any leader, has made this decision on behalf of his team, I see no issue with that. Many discussions have taken place regarding this, but the focus should remain on the team and, most importantly, on the country.

“I believe everyone, from myself to other players, should prioritize the team over individual interests, and Rohit Sharma has exemplified this. We have spoken about accountability, which must begin at the top, and Rohit initiated this in the last match.”

With India's next international challenge being a five-match T20I series against England commencing on January 22 in Kolkata, there is a small opportunity for players excluded from the shortest format to participate in the final two rounds of the Ranji Trophy league.

Rohit and Kohli announced their retirement from T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup victory, while players like KL Rahul have been absent from the squad for two years. “I firmly believe that every player should engage in domestic cricket. It underscores the importance we must place on domestic competitions, not just one match.

“If players are available and committed to red-ball cricket, they should participate in domestic matches. It’s as straightforward as it gets. Without valuing domestic cricket, we will not cultivate the desired players for Test cricket,” Gambhir added.

The series defeat in Australia follows India's home loss of 3-0 to New Zealand, making the long-anticipated transition within the team unavoidable. Gambhir concluded by remarking that it's premature to discuss transitions, given that the series against Australia has just concluded.

“It is indeed too soon to address this topic. The series has only just ended. We still have five months to contemplate our direction. However, now is not the right time for me to elaborate on it. The landscape can shift significantly in five months.

“Form, personnel, and attitudes can all change; everything evolves in sports. We understand that five months is a considerable timeframe. So let’s wait until the England series to see what unfolds. Regardless, whatever occurs will be in the best interest of Indian cricket.”