The recently concluded five-match BGT Test series (2024-25) turned out to be a horror show for the visiting Indian team as they were annihilated and crushed by the Cummins-led Australia side by 3-1. As a result, India suffered the first series loss to Australia in over a decade and also fell out of the WTC Final race for the first time in its history. Virat and Rohit's waning form with the bat was clearly visible resulting in the inevitable downfall of India in that series. In sharp contrast to their accomplished Test record, the pair finished with a combined batting average of a shocking 8.1 (excluding the Perth Test). 

On the other hand, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has not escaped scrutiny either. The former Indian opener came under heavy fire for his questionable tactics and for not being able to deliver positive results for Team India. He has had to shoulder a lot of blame for India's poor run in the red-ball format ever since India's humiliating Test series sweep against New Zealand at home. 

But a recently published report hints that the trio is highly likely to get away once again and that the management has no immediate plans to dismiss them for the foreseeable future.

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Gambhir is likely to continue as the head coach, Rohit & VK to remain in the grand scheme of things

As per an IANS report, BCCI is keen to continue with Gautam Gambhir as a head coach beyond the Champions Trophy tournament and all the way till India's next Test assignment which will start in England in June. The report further adds that the head coach can't be sacked solely due to the failure of the entire batting unit. Despite a dismal show in the BGT Test series, Virat and Rohit will continue to retain their spot in the team. 

“Yes, there will be a review meeting but no firing. C’mon, you can’t sack a coach for the batters’ poor show in one series. Gautam Gambhir will remain the coach, and Virat and Rohit will feature in the England series. The focus is Champions Trophy."

India stunned the Aussies in the first Test beating them by a whopping margin of 295 runs but the home side came from behind and won three of the next four Tests to snatch the series 3-1. BCCI is set to hold a review of the recently concluded BGT tour to assess the team's pitfalls and shortcomings but does not mention anything along the lines of taking strict against against the trio.

Gambhir comments about Virat and Rohit's future in Test cricket

Gambhir was questioned about the batting duo's future in Test cricket right after the conclusion of the series. He remained non-committal and indicated that it is left for the senior duo to decide their own future.

“I can’t talk about the future of any player. It is up to them as well. But yes, what I can say is that they still have hunger and passion, they are tough people. Hopefully, they can continue to take Indian cricket forward. But ultimately, as we all know, whatever they plan, it will be in the best interest of Indian cricket."

Gambhir, along with Virat and Rohit have managed to survive a scare after enduring a humiliating Australian tour. However, experts suggest that the clock is ticking and it may not be long before the management decides to adopt stringent measures. The England Test series may well be their last international assignment if they are to redeem themselves. 

In a stunning turn of events, Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian cricket team and Player of the Match in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, announced his retirement from T20 internationals right after India’s triumphant victory over South Africa in Barbados on Saturday.

Kohli, who is regarded as one of India’s greatest cricketers, expressed that it was time for the next generation to take the helm. From the by-lanes of Delhi to the pinnacle of world cricket, Kohli’s T20I career has seen numerous highs and lows, culminating in this perfect farewell.

See Also: Watch: Rohit Sharma hugs an emotional Hardik after India win T20 World Cup 2024 against South Africa

The Farewell Announcement

“This was my last T20 World Cup; this is exactly what we wanted to achieve,” Kohli shared with the broadcasters following India’s end to an 11-year ICC title drought. “One day you feel like you can’t get a run, and then this happens. God is great. It was a now-or-never kind of situation. This was my last T20 game playing for India. We wanted to lift that cup.”

When asked by Harsha Bhogle if he was officially announcing his retirement, Kohli confirmed, “Yes, I have. This was an open secret. It’s not something I wouldn’t have announced even if we had lost. It’s time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward.”

Reflecting on the Journey

Reflecting on the long-awaited victory, Kohli remarked, “It’s been a long wait for us, to win an ICC tournament. You look at someone like Rohit (Sharma), he’s played nine T20 World Cups and this is my sixth. He deserves it. It’s been difficult to hold back emotions, and I think it’s going to sink in later. It’s an amazing day, and I’m thankful.”

A remarkable career

Virat Kohli’s career is distinguished by his rare achievement of winning both the ODI and T20 World Cups. Kohli made his T20I debut in 2010 and participated in several T20 World Cups, each time facing disappointment until the 2024 edition. In this tournament, Kohli emerged as the savior, especially after India’s rocky start against South Africa. His gritty knock of 76 off 59 balls helped India set a record high total of 176/7 in a T20 World Cup final.

A touching farewell

In a scene reminiscent of 2011 when he carried his idol on his shoulders after India’s World Cup victory, Kohli was seen embracing everyone around him, sharing the joy and relief of this monumental win. This victory not only ended India’s long wait for an ICC title but also marked a fitting end to Kohli’s illustrious T20I career.

Most POTM awards in T20Is
16 – Virat Kohli (125 mats)*
15 – Suryakumar Yadav (68)
14 – Rohit Sharma (159)
14 – Sikandar Raza (86)
14 – Mohd Nabi (129)
14 – Virandeep Singh (78)