Gambhir responsible for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement? Report claims coach wanted new faces for WTC cycle

Gautam Gambhir wanted fresh faces for new WTC cycle, claims report. (Photo: BCCI)

The retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to give Gautam Gambhir more authority as head coach than the team's captain. By emphasizing new talent and moving away from the star-driven mentality, he has the potential to completely transform the Indian Test team.

For a long time, powerful captains have controlled Indian cricket. With players like Sourav Ganguly, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, coaches like Greg Chappell, Bishan Singh Bedi, and Anil Kumble found it difficult to establish their dominance. Coaches like Ravi Shastri, Gary Kirsten, and John Wright, on the other hand, were successful because they sided with the team's captains. But Gambhir is attempting to forge a new route.

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According to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Gambhir was adamant on the necessity of replacing veteran players with newcomers for the 2025–2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

A man with lions passionWill miss u cheeks. pic.twitter.com/uNGW7Y8Ak6
Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 12, 2025

“The Gautam Gambhir era begins now. He was categorical that during the next WTC cycle, India needs to have fresh faces,” a BCCI source told PTI anonymously.

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The Indian team's composition has changed dramatically as a result of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirements from Test cricket. Their exit has left a gap, allowing Gambhir to carry out his plan. Although Rohit and former coach Rahul Dravid had a fruitful collaboration, Rohit and Gambhir did not get along as well. However, Kohli, who had made amends with Gambhir through mediators, has also stopped playing in Test matches.

A master, a leader & a gem#RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/C6RgU6P18n Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 7, 2025

“Everyone associated with decision-making knew where Gambhir stood in terms of carrying seniors in the longest format. Obviously, his and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar's thoughts aligned,” the BCCI source further added.

Dismantling the celebrity culture that has characterized Indian cricket and bringing in young players to the Test team are Gambhir's main goals in order to provide a new strategy for the upcoming World Test Championship cycle. Recent defeats, including as India's difficulties in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the home series against New Zealand, have prompted this tactic.

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India's strategy is probably going to be centered on long-term sustainability because the next WTC cycle is about to start. In order to build a bowling attack and add depth to the batting, the team is anticipated to incorporate youthful players. Gambhir, who is renowned for having excellent vision, has already made it plain that he would not back down from difficult decisions.