Srinagar: With the sudden Test retirement announcement from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli it has now been revealed that it was coach Gautam Gambhir who wanted seniors like Kohli and Sharma out.
The report has said that Gambhir also got the support of Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, as the duo saw fit to have fresh faces for the England tour and the next WTC cycle.
“The Gautam Gambhir era begins now. He was categorical that during the next WTC cycle, India need to have fresh faces,” PTI quoted a BCCI source as saying.
“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,” the source added.
Meanwhile Shubman Gill is the frontrunner to be the next India Test captain. Jasprit Bumrah led the side in Rohit Sharma’s absence in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. But looking at his workload management, it is unlikely that the pacer will be given a leadership role in the coming future.
The report also states that Gambhir wanted the Indian cricket board to empower him so that there is no debacle like the New Zealand series and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
However, all is easier said than done. The results now need to come by for Gambhir. If the series against England goes south, questions will arise regarding the former India opener’s ability to manage the Test team.