For years, Gambhir Gambhir has rambled on about his disliking of ‘superstar culture’ in Indian cricket. Less than a year after assuming the role of India head coach, Gambhir has managed to eradicate it to some extent. In the last 5 days, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have announced their retirement from Test cricket.
Gambhir’s desire come true
The duo held more power than cricketers, not just in India but the entire world. In June 2024 they left T20Is behind, and it’s Tests. They are one-format players now. The superstars are gone. And it’s Gambhir who will reign supreme. It won’t be Shubman Gill, who’s expected to take over as India’s new Test captain.
“Gambhir wants to end the superstar culture that has been prevalent for so many years now. He has come here to dismantle the superstar culture, and that’s what has caused discomfort for some playing members,” a PTI source had said in January.
Gill won’t be in charge
It isn’t just the fact that Gill’s just 26, but he’s never led India against a top team. He doesn’t have any records or accolades. Hasn’t taken his Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Gujarat Titans, to a title yet either. He’s untested. He may be vice-captain in white-ball cricket, but Gambhir will be the alpha in the room.
No one barring Jasprit Bumrah can stand tall and question Gambhir’s authority. And even he isn’t in the leadership scheme of things now due to his fitness concerns. Those who could, Rohit and Kohli, won’t play for India until August. And will vanish for months, considering how few ODIs teams play now.
BCCI & Gambhir on the same page
When Gambhir came in July 2024, he knew a transition was upon him. Ravichandran Ashwin had retired from all formats. And Rohit and Kohli aren’t far from it either. He’d told the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he wanted to bring a few fresh faces into the Test side before the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, which starts in June 2025 and runs until May 2027.
With Rohit and Kohli gone, he’s accomplished what he wanted. And selectors seem to be on the same page. Reports suggest that BCCI wanted Kohli to stay and perhaps even lead the team in England, but from Gambhir’s point of view, he’s gotten what he wanted. India is his team until the ODI World Cup 2027.
“The Gautam Gambhir era begins now. He was categorical that during the next WTC cycle, India needs to have fresh faces. Everyone associated with decision-making knew where Gambhir stood in terms of carrying seniors in the longest format. Obviously his and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar’s thoughts aligned,” a BCCI source told PTI.
Not Shubman Gill, Gautam Gambhir is the new King of Indian cricket after Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli’s retirement Inside Sport India.
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