India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has firmly stated that retirement is a deeply personal decision, one that should be left entirely to the player, without external pressure from the board, selectors, or even the coaching staff. In the wake of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket earlier this month, Gambhir emphasised that such decisions come from within and are not for others to dictate.
“When you begin your journey as a cricketer, only you know when the right time is to step away,” Gautam Gambhir said in an exclusive chat with CNN-News18. “No coach, selector, or anyone else has the right to tell a player when to retire. It’s an individual call that must come from the heart.”
With Kohli and Rohit stepping away from red-ball cricket, India now faces the challenge of touring England for a five-match Test series starting June 20. While their absence leaves a massive void in experience and leadership, Gambhir sees it as an opportunity for the next generation to emerge.
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“Of course, it’s tough not having two senior pros, but sometimes, that’s when new stars rise,” he noted. “Whenever a player misses out, someone else has a chance to do something special. Just like I said before the Champions Trophy when Jasprit Bumrah wasn’t available—someone else will now get their moment to shine for the country.”
Kohli bows out of Test cricket with a stellar record—9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. Rohit Sharma leaves behind 4,301 runs from 67 Tests at 40.57, with 12 tons to his name.
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India’s squad for the England series is expected to be announced on May 24, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar likely to address the media during a press conference in Mumbai. The series begins at Headingley, followed by Tests at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval, marking a crucial phase for India’s new-look Test side.
