Gautam Gambhir rubbishes rumours of him forcing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to retire from tests

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from test cricket ahead of India’s tour of England.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has broken his silence following the high-profile retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from test cricket. The statement comes ahead of the official announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming test series against England, scheduled for May 24.

Earlier this month, both Kohli and Rohit confirmed their retirement from the longest format of the game, marking the end of an era for Indian test cricket. With the departure of two of the most iconic and prolific batsmen in Indian cricket history, the national side now faces a crucial tour of England without its most experienced campaigners.

Since the announcements, Gambhir has found himself at the centre of controversy, with speculation that he played a role in influencing the players’ decisions. However, the former opener has categorically denied these claims, asserting that retirement is a personal decision.

“No One Has the Right To” – Gambhir Rejects Claims of Forcing Rohit and Kohli’s Retirement

Speaking to CNN-News18, Gambhir strongly denied any suggestion that he pressured Rohit or Kohli to step away from the format.

“When you start playing and when you choose to stop—it’s a purely individual decision. No one has the right—whether it’s a coach, selector, or anyone else in this country—to dictate when a player should retire,” Gambhir stated.

Virat Kohli bowed out of the format with 9,230 runs from 123 tests, including 30 centuries. Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, ended his test career with 4,301 runs in 67 tests and 12 centuries.

Absence of Rohit and Kohli a Huge Opportunity for Youngsters to Shine: Gambhir

Gambhir expressed optimism about the opportunities now available for the next generation of Indian cricketers. With Kohli and Rohit absent from the England series, the head coach believes it’s the perfect time for emerging talents to make their mark.

“We’ll be without two of our most experienced players, no doubt. But sometimes, these moments open the door for others to step up and say, ‘I’m ready.’ It will be challenging, but I’m confident we’ll see players rise to the occasion. I’ve said this before,” Gambhir noted.

He pointed to India’s recent success at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai as a precedent, when the team lifted the trophy despite the absence of premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

During that tournament, Hardik Pandya provided vital support to Mohammed Shami, while Varun Chakravarthy seized his opportunity with a breakout performance that proved decisive in India’s title run.

Gambhir drew parallels between that campaign and the upcoming England tour, expressing confidence that others would similarly step up in the absence of star players.

“When Bumrah was unavailable, I said the same thing—someone’s absence is another’s opportunity to achieve something special for the country. I hope there are others now waiting to grab their moment,” Gambhir concluded.

India’s squad for the England tour is expected to be unveiled on Saturday, May 24.

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