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How long can both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma realistically survive in the Indian setup when Gautam Gambhir, their coach, is known to judge every player on merit — match after match, series after series? With both seniors already out of two formats — Tests and T20Is — sustaining themselves in the only remaining format, ODIs, could turn into a Himalayan challenge.
The “perform or perish” mantra is nothing new in Indian cricket, but applying it to icons like Rohit and Kohli comes with its own risks. Gambhir’s regime is built around performance, not past reputation — and that could make life tough for players who once defined Indian cricket’s golden decade.
It’s no secret that Kohli’s decision to move away from Test cricket was influenced by his inability to fully blend into a dressing room now firmly controlled by Gambhir’s methods and mindset. Rohit, on the other hand, has already lost the captaincy and continues to open — even as Abhishek Sharma, one of the most explosive young batters in the country, waits to barge into the ODI side.
And then there’s Tilak Varma, who showed his composure under pressure during the Asia Cup final, further strengthening the case for India’s next-generation middle order. With such talent waiting in the wings, there’s little room for sentiment or security for veterans like Rohit and Kohli.
With india losing the opening game to Australia and both the legends not making it count — tongues will starting wagging soon. Every game will turn out to be a do-or-die game for them. How can they continue like this? Only Cricket God can answer that!
Gambhir’s message is clear — reputations don’t earn you a spot anymore. It’s about intent, consistency, and adaptability. As India builds towards the 2027 World Cup, the two modern-day greats may find themselves fighting not against bowlers, but against time, transition, and a coach who doesn’t believe in legacy discounts.
Every time Rohit and Kohli falter, like they did on Chhoti Diwali with below-par performances, their fans are left fearing the worst — is this the beginning of the end? Are they on the verge of retirement, or will the selectors finally run out of patience?
Both stalwarts have carried Indian cricket for over a decade, but in the new era under Gambhir, every failure feels magnified and every innings could be a test of relevance. The whispers grow louder with each low score — will they walk away on their own terms, or will the system nudge them out?
For now, all eyes remain on how the two modern-day greats respond to this phase of transition. Let’s wait and watch — the next few days might just define how their final chapter is written.
