New Delhi, May 6 – Indian cricket team’s head coach Gautam Gambhir stated on Tuesday that senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should continue playing for the national team as long as they are performing well. However, he also clarified that he would have no say in their selection for the upcoming Test series in England.
Amid growing speculation about Rohit Sharma’s future as Test captain ahead of India’s tour of England, and subtle concerns about Kohli’s long-term presence in the team, Gambhir remained diplomatic while addressing their roles. Speaking at the ‘India at 2047’ summit hosted by ABP News, he emphasized that team selection falls under the purview of selectors, not the coach.
As per agency report, Gambhir explained that the coach's responsibility is limited to deciding the playing eleven from the squad chosen by selectors. He noted that previous coaches were never part of the selection committee, and the same applies to him.
When further pressed on the issue, Gambhir responded that as long as Sharma and Kohli continue to perform well, they deserve to remain in the team. He added that decisions about when to start or end a playing career are personal, and no coach, selector, or even the BCCI can dictate that.
He went on to say that if a player continues to contribute effectively, there should be no restriction based on age, suggesting that one could even play until 45 if fitness and form are maintained.
India is scheduled to tour England for a five-match Test series beginning on June 20. While Gambhir did not commit to a stance on the duo's future in the Test format, he did express optimism about their potential participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, depending entirely on their performance in the lead-up to the tournament.
Reflecting on their recent form, Gambhir acknowledged their strong showing in the Champions Trophy, contrasting it with the criticism they faced during the Australia tour for underwhelming performances in Tests.
He also dismissed the notion of planned farewells, arguing that players do not play the game with the expectation of a grand send-off. Instead, he urged that the focus should be on remembering the impact and contributions made by players to the country’s victories.
Gambhir concluded by saying that whether or not a formal farewell is given is insignificant in the grand scheme. The real honor, he said, lies in the love and respect of the country’s people — a far greater reward than any farewell ceremony.
