In the fifth Test played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Indian team led by Jasprit Bumrah was defeated by the Australian team. India lost the match by six wickets. With this Australia has clinched the Border-Gavaskar after almost a decade. After losing the series 3-1, questions have been raised on the performance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Discussions about the Test future of both senior players are intensifying.
Former Indian opener and current coach Gautam Gambhir gave his opinion on these questions after the match. Gambhir said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are still hungry to succeed in Test cricket and will decide their future in the interest of the team.
Gambhir said in the post-match media, "These two are mentally very strong players and will take the decision which is right for Team India. It is my duty to keep the dressing room atmosphere positive, and for that I have to show honesty and objectivity. Rohit has shown responsibility in the opening. ”
However, Gambhir also made it clear that if a player shows honesty and commitment in Test cricket, then he should also make up his mind to play domestic cricket. He made this statement for senior players who do not play Ranji Trophy.
This is the first time for India that they failed to reach the final of the World Test Championship (WTC). After reaching the finals in 2021 and 2023, the team's performance this time was disappointing. India's journey ended with a 6-wicket defeat in the fifth and final Test played in Sydney on January 5.
With this defeat, India's 2023-25 WTC cycle also came to an end. During this time India played 19 Tests, won 9, lost 8 and 2 were drawn. At the same time, Australia ended their ten-year BGT drought by winning the series and qualified for the WTC finals.
Gambhir's statement can now have a big impact on the changes in Team India in the coming times and the Test careers of senior players.