Sydney, January 5 Following India’s 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, concerns have been raised over the international careers of regular skipper Rohit Sharma and talismanic Virat Kohli. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed optimism that whatever the senior team decides to do would benefit the nation.

Kohli only scored 190 runs in five Test matches and was removed eight times when pursuing balls outside the off-stump. In contrast, Rohit missed the Perth Test due to the birth of his second child, but he only scored 31 runs in three Test matches before withdrawing from the Sydney Test, which India lost by six wickets on Sunday, eliminating them from contention for a spot in the 2025 World Test Championship final.

“I am unable to discuss any player’s future. They also have a say in it. However, I can state that they are difficult individuals who still possess desire and hunger. I hope they can keep moving Indian cricket ahead. At the conclusion of the series, Gambhir told reporters, “But in the end, as we all know, whatever they plan will be for the best interest of Indian cricket.”

He also expressed gratitude for Rohit’s decision to skip the Sydney Test due to his poor form, which followed a lot of rumors about disturbances in the dressing room. “I want to point out that a great deal has been written and spoken in reports. In that sense, at least, we can be a little more reasonable.

“I don’t believe there is anything wrong with a leader—even if they are not a captain—making this choice before their squad. As a result, a lot has been said about it. When everything is said and done, the team and the nation are more significant than the people sitting there.

Therefore, I think that everyone else, including myself and other players, should prioritize the team above their own interests, and Rohit Sharma has shown this. In the last game, Rohit Sharma initiated the discussion of responsibility, which begins at the top.

There is a little chance for players who are not in the starting lineup for the shortest format to participate in the next two Ranji Trophy league rounds since India’s next international assignment is a five-match T20I series against England, which begins in Kolkata on January 22.

After winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit and Kohli retired from Twenty20 Internationals, while KL Rahul hasn’t played for the team in two years. “Everyone should play domestic cricket, in my opinion. Domestic cricket, not just one match, has to be given that much significance.

“Everyone should play domestic cricket if they are available and committed to playing red ball cricket.” It’s as easy as it gets. You will never get the players you want and what you want in Test cricket if you don’t prioritize domestic cricket,” Gambhir said.

The long-awaited change in the squad is about to happen after India lost 3-0 at home in New Zealand after the series loss in Australia. Gambhir concluded by adding that, given the recent conclusion of the series against Australia, it is too soon to discuss the changeover.

“Look, we shouldn’t discuss it just now. The series ended recently. We still have five months, I believe, to decide where we want to go. However, it is not the appropriate time for me to discuss it. Five months from now, where will we be? In sports, a lot of things change.

“Everything in sport changes, including form, individuals, and attitude. Five months is a long period, as we are all aware. Let’s wait and see what happens before the England series. However, whatever occurs, it will be in Indian cricket’s best interests.