SYDNEY: Indian coach Gautam Gambhir on Sunday emphasized that the decision on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Test futures rests entirely with them, praising their resilience and thirst for the game.
Speaking after India’s six-wicket defeat to Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Gambhir said the pair will “decide what is best for Indian cricket”.
“They are tough individuals with an immense hunger for the game; they will decide what is best for Indian cricket,” Gambhir said.
“To maintain harmony in the locker room, I must be honest and fair with everyone. Rohit Sharma has demonstrated responsibility at the top,” he added.
India’s 3–1 series defeat marked Australia’s first victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2017.
Rohit Sharma scored just 31 runs in five innings, while Virat Kohli’s only notable contribution was an unbeaten century in Perth.
The former captain struggled to maintain consistency, repeatedly falling on deliveries outside off-stump despite experimenting with different techniques and approaches.
Rohit’s performances were equally disappointing as he alternated between middle and opening roles to no avail.
His decision to replace Shubman Gill at the top of the order in the fourth Test further exposed India’s fragile batting line-up.
India’s Test record under the leadership of Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir has been far from ideal, with the team winning just three of their last ten matches. This includes a home defeat to New Zealand and an away defeat to Australia.
With younger players awaiting opportunities and a five-month gap before the next Test, the team faces increasing pressure to chart a new course.
Australia’s dominant victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy secured their place in the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June.
Pat Cummins’ side will face South Africa, who qualified with a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test.
With Sri Lanka unable to overcome either team, the stage is set for a thrilling clash between Australia and the Proteas at the iconic venue, starting on June 11.
