"Have to be fair to everyone" - Gautam Gambhir drops huge statement in response to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's future post-BGT 2024-25 5th Test

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has left the decision regarding skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Test future solely in their hands following the conclusion of the 20204-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. The 43-year-old said that the two senior batters will take a call in the team's best interest.

Like the previous comments following their failures against New Zealand in home Tests, Gambhir said the duo still have the hunger and passion to deliver for the Men in Blue.

The remarks came as India lost the fifth Test in Sydney by six wickets against Australia, losing the series 1-3 Down Under. This was India’s first series loss in Australia after the 2014-15 series.

Gambhir told the reporters after the fifth Test (via Hindustan Times):

“I can't talk about the future of any player. It's up to them as well. But yes, what I can say is that they still have the hunger, they still have the passion. They're tough people and hopefully they can continue to take Indian cricket forward. But ultimately, as we all know, that whatever they plan, they will plan for the best interest of Indian cricket.”

He added that no preferential treatments are offered to play whether anyone has played over 100 Tests.

“My job is to be honest with everyone. It's not like I prioritize only a few players. But my job is to see every player on the same page whether he's debuting or whoever played 100 Test Matches. Have to be fair to everyone."

How Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have performed in BGT 2024-25 Tests

India captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to deliver with the bat for India in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Rohit managed just 31 runs in five innings despite playing both as middle order batter and an opener, averaging 6.2 before he stood for the fifth Test.

In his last 15 Test innings, he managed 164 runs at an average of 10.93, comprising one half-century.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli looked out of sorts barring his unbeaten 100 in the series opener in Perth. Overall, he managed just 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75. The right-handed batter kept getting out similar fashion while poking outside off stump channel for 8/8th times in the series.

In his last 15 Test innings, he managed 359 runs at an average of 27.61, including one century and a fifty.