“We can be a little more sensible in that regard” – Gautam Gambhir slams media over Rohit Sharma saga in BGT 2024-25 5th Test

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has slammed the media over skipper Rohit Sharma’s episode during the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney. The 43-year-old suggested that the media should’ve avoided unnecessary speculation and handled it more sensibly.

The remarks came amid reports of differences between Gambhir and Rohit while selecting the playing XI. The reports also suggested that the players didn’t follow the team management’s plans during the fourth Test in Melbourne.

Gambhir told reporters in the post-match press conference (via Indian Express):

“I would like to say that so many reports have been written and so many things have been said. At least, we can be a little more sensible in that regard. If a captain, not even a captain, if a leader has taken this decision ahead of his team, then I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. So, a lot of things have been said and a lot of things have been said..”

With plenty of talks in the media, Rohit Sharma broke his silence on whether he played his last Test in Melbourne.

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"There are very honest players in our dressing room" - Gautam Gambhir backs Rohit Sharma's decision to leave his place in the playing XI for the 5th Test

Gautam Gambhir also defended skipper Rohit Sharma for stepping away from the playing XI for the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney. He indirectly called Rohit selfless for leaving his place to accommodate an in-form player in the team's best interest with the series on the line.

The remarks came even as Rohit managed just 31 runs in his five innings at an underwhelming average of 6.2. The 37-year-old managed 164 runs in his last 15 innings at an average of 10.93, including a solitary half-century.

Gambhir told reporters during the same interaction:

“Ultimately, the international team is not sitting there, the most important thing is the team and the most important thing is the country. Every individual knows that his game and his hard work are the most important thing for any sport and any profession."

“Because ultimately, it’s neither my team nor your team, it’s the nation’s team. I believe that, as I said, there are very honest players in our dressing room who know how hungry they are and whether the team can move forward with their contribution,” he added.

Gambhir added Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli do not get special treatment because of their stature in the team.

“But yes, as far as my question is concerned, my biggest responsibility is that I have to be fair to everyone in the team. Not only one or two individuals. If I’m fair to only two or three individuals and not to others, then I’m being dishonest to myself.”

The Men in Blue, however, lost the BGT 2024-25 series by a 1-3 margin. This was their second consecutive series loss following a 0-3 drubbing during the home series in New Zealand.