New Delhi: Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has finally broken the silence on the high-profile retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket ahead of the team’s all-important tour of England. Both Rohit and Kohli quit Test cricket within a week earlier this month, signalling the end of an era in Indian cricket.
Opening up on Kohli and Rohit’s decision to retire from Tests, Gambhir said it was a personal call for both star batters and that their choices need to be respected. Kohli and Rohit’s departure leaves a huge vacuum in the Indian Test squad, but Gambhir remains confident that the youngsters could step up in the absence of the senior duo to grab their chances in the upcoming series against England.
“I think, when you start the game and when you want to finish, it’s a very individual decision. No one has the right,” Gambhir said in an interview with CNN News18 on Kohli and Rohit’s Test retirements.
“Be it the coach, the selector, be it anyone in this country, has any right to tell someone when to retire and when not to retire. So it comes from within,” he added.
Rohit retired from Test cricket after being told that he wouldn’t be leading India in the upcoming tour of England. The Hitman amassed 4301 runs in 67 matches for India in Tests at an average of 40.57, including 12 tons and 18 fifties. Kohli finished his career as the 4th highest run-getter for India in Tests with 9230 in 123 matches at an average of over 46, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
While Gambhir admitted Kohli and Rohit’s absence will be felt in the Test squad in England, he insisted India have enough talented youngsters, who will be putting their hands up and perform for the team. The India head coach believes the England series can be a great opportunity for the youngsters to stake a claim for a permanent spot in the Test team.
“And yes, we’ve got to be without two senior players. And sometimes I believe that it’s the opportunity for some other people to put their hand up and say, Okay, I’m ready for it. So yes, it will be tough, but then there’ll be people putting their hand up for sure because this question was asked to me before,” Gambhir added.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir opened up on the Test retirements of two senior India players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of the crucial tour of England. The India head coach is hopeful of youngsters stepping up in the duo’s absence. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
