In a stunning turn of events, two of India’s most iconic cricketing stars, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, announced their retirements from Test cricket within a span of just one week. The cricketing world was left in shock when Kohli, after a prolific yet turbulent Test career, called time on his red-ball journey on May 12, 2025, following Rohit’s similar decision on May 7. These retirements come just ahead of India’s highly anticipated tour of England, which will now proceed without the leadership of these seasoned veterans.
A report by PTI has sparked fresh speculation regarding the role of Gautam Gambhir, the current head coach of Team India, in the retirements of these two cricketers. According to the report, Gambhir, who took over the reins as head coach, is said to have had a significant influence in shaping the team for the upcoming 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle. Sources suggest that Gambhir was insistent on introducing “fresh faces” into the Indian Test squad, potentially accelerating the exits of veterans like Kohli and Rohit.
“The Gautam Gambhir era begins now,” a BCCI source reportedly stated, underlining the head coach’s strategic vision. Gambhir and chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, are believed to have shared similar views regarding the future of Indian cricket, advocating for a transition away from the reliance on senior players.
Virat Kohli, who announced his retirement after 123 Test matches, leaves behind an illustrious career filled with remarkable achievements. With 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, Kohli’s contributions to Indian cricket are undeniable. His leadership between 2014 and 2022 marked an era of dominance for India in the longest format of the game, though his performance in recent years had seen a dip. The timing of his retirement, just before the England tour, has raised questions about the internal dynamics at play.
Rohit Sharma, who stepped in as Test captain after Kohli’s departure in early 2022, also decided to end his Test career unexpectedly. In 67 Test matches, Rohit accumulated 4,301 runs and played a pivotal role in leading India through the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, with the increasing pressure of international cricket and an eye on the next generation, it seems the decision to retire was mutual between him and the team management.
As Kohli and Rohit bid farewell to Test cricket, all eyes are now on Shubman Gill, who is tipped to take the reins of the Indian Test team moving forward. Currently serving as vice-captain in the white-ball formats, Gill is poised to become India’s all-format captain in the near future. With the retirement of senior players, the stage is set for the young opener to lead the team, with Rishabh Pant likely to serve as his deputy.
Gautam Gambhir’s approach as head coach has raised eyebrows in Indian cricket circles. Traditionally, Indian coaches have often had to contend with the influence of senior players, with captains like Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma wielding considerable power. However, it appears that Gambhir is determined to shift the dynamic, ensuring that he holds the final say in team matters. With Kohli and Rohit no longer in the picture, Gambhir’s influence is expected to grow, positioning him as the most powerful figure in Indian cricket.
“He was categorical that during the next WTC cycle, India need to have fresh faces,” a source added. This drive for rejuvenation is expected to be key in India’s strategy moving forward, especially as they seek to build a competitive squad for the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle.
While some cricketing experts and fans have applauded Gambhir’s efforts to bring in fresh talent, others have criticized his role in the departures of Kohli and Rohit. Social media users have expressed mixed reactions, with some blaming Gambhir for creating internal tensions, while others believe that his focus on long-term success is the right approach. The debate continues, but one thing is clear: the landscape of Indian Test cricket is undergoing a seismic shift.
