Indian captain Rohit Sharma has finally cleared the air about his alleged rift with the head coach, Gautam Gambhir after the chief selector announced the squad for the upcoming ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
There have been a lot of rumors of differences between Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir, especially after the controversial Indian dressing room leaks during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. Many reports claimed that the captain and coach were not on the same page during the high-drama Test series in Australia.
Rohit Sharma denies rift with coach Gautam Gambhir
However, the Indian captain’s latest statement has categorically denied any cold war with the head coach. Rohit Sharma insisted that there is a lot of respect and understanding between him and Gautam Gambhir, and they trust each other.
Read Also: Watch: ‘Iske baad secretary ke saath…’ – Rohit Sharma’s major remarks on Devajit Saikia caught on mic
Speaking to the media after India’s ODI and Champions Trophy 2025 squad announcement, Rohit Sharma has put to rest any speculation about tactical differences with Gautam Gambhir. The Indian captain emphasized a strong mutual understanding and highlighted their clarity of roles.
Rohit Sharma told the media at the press conference on Saturday (January 18) in Mumbai: “Both of us are very clear on what we wanted to do. I am not going to sit here and discuss what goes on behind the scenes, every game tactically. But it’s very clear in my mind.”
Gautam Gambhir trusts what the captain is doing on the field: Rohit Sharma
The Indian captain also revealed that Gambhir offers his strategic insights in the dressing room, but once the team takes the field, he entirely takes charge in his hands. He stressed that there is a respect element between them, and it helps them work as a team for Team India.
Rohit signed off by saying, “Gautam Gambhir is pretty… once we enter the field, he trusts what the captain is doing on the field. The basic talks that happen are only off the field. In the ground, or maybe in the changing room, once we take the field, it’s all about what I do on the field. That’s the kind of trust we have in each other. That’s how it should be. That’s about it.”
Read Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ajit Agarkar justifies ignoring Karun Nair despite Sachin Tendulkar’s backing
Notably, Gautam was not accompanied by Ajit Agarkar and Rohit for the squad announcements on Saturday. The Indian selectors and team management have taken some bold yet surprising calls for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy 2025.
India set to play 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs before ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The three-match ODI series between India and England will kickstart on February 6 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. The second ODI will be held in Cuttack on February 9, and the final ODI is scheduled for February 12 in Ahmedabad. Before the ODI series, they will play 5 T20Is.
Then, the Men in Blue will kickstart their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, followed by the blockbuster clash with Pakistan on February 23.