'Can't talk about future of any player' – Gambhir on Rohit, Virat plans

In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, both captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled with their batting form. Rohit, in fact, was even dropped from the playing XI for the final match due to his poor form. This decline in performance has become a source of concern for India, with many suggesting that the two stalwarts should consider retirement. In light of these discussions, India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has shared his thoughts on the future of Rohit and Kohli.

Speaking at a press conference after India’s 6-wicket defeat to Australia in the Sydney Test, Gambhir said, “I cannot speak about the future of any cricketer; it depends on them. All I can say is that both (Rohit and Kohli) still have the hunger to win, and they are highly passionate about the game. They are strong individuals, and I hope they maintain that mindset. But whatever decision they make, it will be the best one for the team.”

Regarding Rohit's decision to step down from the playing XI, Gambhir added, “There have been many reports and much talk about this. We should have been a little more flexible in this regard. If a captain or leader makes such a decision with the team in mind, I don’t see anything wrong with it. However, there has been a lot of discussion on this matter. In international cricket, the team always comes first, and the country’s interest is the most important.”

Gambhir emphasized the commitment of the players, saying, “Every player knows their role and works hard to perform well. So, this is not just my team or your team, it is the country’s team. We have many honest cricketers in our dressing room who are hungry to perform and contribute to the team. I don’t single out anyone. Whether it’s someone making their debut or someone who has already played 100 Tests, my focus is the same on everyone.”

This statement reflects Gambhir’s unwavering support for the team as a collective unit, irrespective of individual performances.