As India gears up for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, Gautam Gambhir has firmly backed senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli despite concerns over their recent form. Speaking ahead of the five-Test series, which holds added significance for India’s qualification to the World Test Championship (WTC) final, Gambhir expressed unwavering confidence in the two stalwarts of Indian cricket, stating that they remain “incredibly tough” and “very hungry” to achieve more for the team.
In recent months, questions have been raised about the form of both Kohli and Rohit following a string of disappointing performances in India’s home series against New Zealand and Bangladesh. Rohit, in particular, has struggled, managing just 133 runs in 10 innings with only one score over 25, averaging a mere 13.30. Kohli fared slightly better with 192 runs in as many innings, averaging 21.33. These performances contributed to India’s 3-0 defeat against New Zealand — their first-ever Test series loss at home in 12 years.
However, Gambhir dismissed concerns about the pair’s form, insisting that both players still possess the passion and hunger required to succeed at the highest level.
“I have got no concerns whatever over Virat and Rohit,” Gambhir said at a press conference. “I think they are incredibly tough men. They’ve achieved a lot for Indian cricket, and they will continue to achieve a lot in future as well. The most important thing is that they are still working really hard, they are still passionate, they still want to achieve a lot more. The hunger in that dressing room is incredibly important for me and for the entire group as well.”
While Kohli has struggled to find form in recent years, his last Test century coming in 2022 against the West Indies, Gambhir remained confident that his hunger for success would help him turn things around. Rohit, on the other hand, had started the year with a bang, scoring two centuries against England in Rajkot and Dharamsala. Nevertheless, questions around India’s Test batting lineup continue to swirl, especially with the senior players entering their mid-to-late thirties.
At 36, Kohli’s overall Test average has dipped significantly over the past five years, while Rohit, at 37, also faces questions about his long-term role in the format. Adding to the sense of transition, experienced players like Ravichandran Ashwin (38) and Ravindra Jadeja (turning 36 in December) are also nearing the twilight of their careers. However, Gambhir brushed aside any concerns about the so-called “transition” phase, focusing instead on the immediate challenge ahead.
“Look, honestly, I’m not even thinking that the team is in transition,” Gambhir said firmly. “The only thing that is there at the moment in my mind is we go to Australia to play five Test matches. Transition can happen, and it will happen, but at the moment it’s the five Test matches that are important. These players are still hungry, and as long as they are, I’m confident they have the fire to achieve success for the nation.”
The upcoming series in Australia is particularly crucial for India’s WTC qualification, as the team seeks to recover from their humiliating loss to New Zealand. Gambhir acknowledged that India had been outplayed in the home series but emphasized the importance of looking ahead.
“I’m not going to sit here and defend [the loss against New Zealand]; we were outplayed in all the three departments,” Gambhir admitted. “But the criticism we are receiving, we take it with both hands and keep moving forward, keep getting better every day. The Australian series is a new challenge, and we’re focused on that.”
India’s preparations for the Australian series have been ongoing, with Gambhir stressing the importance of the ten-day preparation window leading up to the first Test. He highlighted the wealth of experience in the squad, with several players having been part of successful tours to Australia in the past. Gambhir is hopeful that this experience will help guide the younger players, and give the team the best chance to succeed.
“These ten days are going to be very crucial,” Gambhir said. “But come the 22nd morning, we should be absolutely ready to fire from ball one.”
With the series fast approaching, India’s focus is squarely on the challenge in front of them — and with senior players like Rohit and Kohli still fired up to perform, the team will be hoping for a strong start in the Land Down Under.
Click Here:- Gautam Gambhir Confirms Multiple Options for Opening Spot in Perth Test if Rohit Sharma Misses Out
