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Shortly after Rohit Sharma was advised to step aside from the Sydney Test against Australia due to his poor form, the Indian captain had assured coach Gautam Gambhir that he would retire from Test cricket. However, within days, Gambhir lost all trust in Rohit after the captain backtracked on his own statement, announcing that he would not quit Test cricket. This turn of events created a rift as Gambhir’s faith in Rohit’s commitment to the team was shaken, sources told CricBlogger.
Sources have revealed that a selector also played a key role in persuading Rohit not to quit Test cricket. After Rohit’s initial assurance to Gambhir, the selector intervened, convincing him to reconsider his decision. This external influence seems to have played a part in Rohit backtracking on his earlier statement, ultimately deciding to continue his Test career. The involvement of a selector in such a sensitive matter also means that there is more to this than meets the eye.
Sources also said that after Rohit decided to go back on his words, he didn’t even inform Gambhir about his decision not to quit.
Otherwise too, both Rohit and Gambhir differed so on team selection matters that there was always a threat to those who are regular to the playing XI. After being named the captained Rohit’s decision not to play the opening Test irked Gambhir.
Sources said that when Rohit joined the team in Perth, Gambhir told him not to play the series as a captain, as Jasprit Bumrah was the right choice to lead after winning opening Test. To this, Rohit objected and used his clout to continue captaining the side and very often had a tiff over penning down the playing XI. Thereafter, Gambhir taking charge of things and telling Rohit not to play the last Test was good enough to break the understanding between the two. How will this captain-coach combo work in Champions Trophy is anyone guess!
With Gambhir firmly in charge, it now seems increasingly likely that Rohit’s time in Indian cricket may be nearing its end. The tension between the captain and coach, combined with concerns over his recent form and leadership, suggests that Rohit could be facing the twilight of his career. Some are even speculating that the upcoming Champions Trophy could serve as his “last swan song,” offering him one final opportunity to shine on the big stage before stepping away from all formats.If this turns out to be true, it would mark the end of an era for Rohit in Test and ODI cricket despite his decision not to quit.
