Gautam Gambhir Criticized for Overshadowing Kohli, Sharma as Coach
The debate surrounding the futures of legendary Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continues to gain momentum. The duo’s performance has drawn attention as they aim for a key spot in the upcoming ODI World Cup.
Coaching Frictions and Player Prospects
Former Indian pacer S Sreesanth recently called upon head coach Gautam Gambhir to consider Kohli and Sharma’s inclusion in the national team. He emphasized the value of both players as India prepares for the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Kohli and Rohit’s Impressive Performances
Kohli recently scored his 52nd century, contributing significantly to India’s victory against South Africa in the first ODI held in Ranchi. In the same match, Rohit made a quickfire score of 57, marking his third consecutive innings with a score of 50 or more.
In their previous ODIs, the pair also demonstrated exceptional teamwork, notably stitching together a 136-run partnership. Their statistics reflect a storied career and pose the question of whether they should be retained for future tournaments.
Sreesanth’s Plea to Gambhir
Sreesanth urged Gambhir not to overlook Kohli and Rohit, stating their unmatched records and talents. In a viral video, he expressed, “Gautam bhai, as coach, please don’t stop Rohit and Kohli. They remain far better than many current players.”
Current Status of Kohli and Rohit
- Both players have announced their retirement from T20I and Test formats.
- They remain active in ODIs with aspirations for the 2027 World Cup.
- Recent matches reflect two consecutive victories for India, including a dominant win against Australia by nine wickets in October.
Despite their ongoing performances, both selectors’ chairman Ajit Agarkar and coach Gambhir have provided ambiguous responses regarding Kohli and Rohit’s participation in the World Cup, leading to rising tensions.
The question remains whether Gautam Gambhir will heed calls from former players and fans to keep Kohli and Sharma in the squad. Their legacy and consistent performances make a strong case for their inclusion in future games.
