Gambhir doesn't mention Rohit-Virat but makes stance clear on 'individual performances' after Australia ODI series loss

Gautam Gambhir doesn't mention Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli but makes stance clear on 'individual performances' after Australia ODI series loss (PTI/BCCI Photos)

After an almost eight-month hiatus, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returned to international cricket during the recently-concluded ODI series against Australia. The two senior pros, who have ended their Test and T20I careers, continue to play just the ODIs with their sights set firmly on the 2027 ODI World Cup.

India lost the first two games in Perth and Adelaide, but won the last ODI in Sydney resulting in a 1-2 series defeat. Despite India's defeat, Rohit was named Player of the Series after scoring 8, 73, and 121*. Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, dismissed the individual effort, stating that he is unhappy that India lost the three-match series.

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Regarding Kohli, the 37-year-old was dismissed for consecutive ducks, but he played a decisive undefeated 74 in Sydney. When discussing India's defeat in his interview with BCCI.TV, Gambhir made no mention of Rohit or Virat. However, the head coach made it clear that he would never be content with a series defeat and individual performances will always come second to him.

“Look, I don't think so, honestly. I think I've always been a believer that it's not about the individual performances. Yes, I can be very happy with the individual performances, yes. And I will always remain happy with individual performances, but ultimately, we lost the ODI series. That's the bottom line. And I can never celebrate a series loss as a coach,” said Gambhir.

“As a player, I can appreciate individuals, but as a coach, I think it is my moral responsibility that we as a nation and we as individuals should never, never celebrate a series loss. Ultimately, we are representing the country,” he added.

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Shubman Gill took over as captain prior to the ODI series against Australia, replacing Rohit at the helm.

Following the ODI series, India faced Australia in a five-match T20I series, which the visitors won 2-1. Rain in Canberra and Brisbane forced the cancellation of the series' first and last games.