Gautam Gambhir Anticipates Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Active Participation in ODIs and Tests

Mumbai, 22nd July 2024: On Monday, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed his anticipation that senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will participate in most ODIs and Tests following their retirement from T20 Internationals. Gambhir hopes they will maintain their fitness and be contenders for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Both Rohit and Kohli announced their T20I retirements after India’s World Cup victory earlier this month and were initially expected to miss the upcoming Sri Lanka tour.

Despite this, they have been included in India’s squad for the three ODIs in Sri Lanka next month, in preparation for the Champions Trophy scheduled for early next year.

In his first media briefing since becoming head coach, Gambhir stressed the importance of managing the workload for fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah but expressed confidence in the continued involvement of Rohit and Kohli.

“I’ve emphasized before that managing Jasprit Bumrah’s workload is crucial. For batters, if they are in form and can play consistently, they should be included in most matches,” Gambhir stated.

Regarding Rohit and Kohli’s future, Gambhir noted that with their retirement from T20Is, they will only need to focus on two formats. “I’m confident they will be available for most games,” he added.

However, Gambhir acknowledged the need for special care in handling Bumrah due to frequent injury issues affecting fast bowlers. “It’s our responsibility to keep him fresh for key matches, and this applies to most fast bowlers,” he said.

Gambhir also expressed his expectation that Rohit and Kohli would focus on their fitness with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. “They’ve proven their ability on major occasions, and with upcoming events like the Champions Trophy and a significant tour of Australia, they will be motivated,” he noted.

Regarding team selection, Gambhir did not dismiss the possibility of having separate teams for different formats but stressed the need for consistency. “We might see transitions in the T20I team with the retirements of key players like Rohit, Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, maintaining consistency in ODIs and Tests is crucial,” he said.

Gambhir also highlighted his approach to team management, aiming to foster a positive environment despite the pressures of international cricket. “My approach is straightforward—focus on winning. A happy dressing room contributes to success,” he explained, reflecting on his experience with IPL teams like Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders.

He emphasized the importance of keeping the team motivated and secure, acknowledging the challenges of international cricket where only a limited number of players can participate. “It’s the support staff’s job to maintain a positive atmosphere, and that’s something we will focus on,” Gambhir concluded.