Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has broken his silence on the future of senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, making it clear that performance—not reputation—will determine their place in the national team.
In a strong message that cuts through speculation around team transitions and potential farewells, Gambhir said, “Till the time they are performing, they should be a part of the team. Performance ensures selection. No coach, selector, or even the BCCI can tell someone to stop playing if they’re delivering.”
Gambhir also dismissed any notions of planned farewells for Indian greats, reinforcing that emotional send-offs have no place in a high-performance environment. “No sportsman plays for farewell. The biggest farewell and trophy is the love of the country. That is what truly matters,” he said.
Speaking at the ABP India At 2047 Summit, the former India opener reiterated that his role is not to pick favourites but to uphold meritocracy. “It’s not the coach’s job to pick the team; that’s for the selectors. My responsibility is to prepare whoever is selected to perform for India,” he noted.
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Gambhir on his relationship with Kohli
Gambhir struck a playful note: “It’s just two Delhi boys having fun. If that’s a problem, I’ll tell the BCCI to stop posting about it.”
Known for his combative style on and off the field, Gambhir stood firm on his temperament. “I want to be a winner. Nobody wants to lose. I don’t want to change anything in that,” he declared.
As India’s cricketing landscape enters a new phase, Gambhir’s message is unmistakable: there will be no place for sentiment or legacy if it comes at the cost of performance.
