India’s Test team reportedly went through major discussions behind the scenes following the disappointing 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy defeat to Australia during the 2024-25 season. According to a cricket portal, head coach Gautam Gambhir wanted Virat Kohli to take over the Test captaincy once again after the series.
The report claimed that Gambhir informally approached Kohli about returning as captain. At the same time, chief selector Ajit Agarkar was reportedly speaking with the star batter about his future in Test cricket, as questions surrounded the team’s direction after the heavy series loss.
The report also suggested that the relationship between then-Test captain Rohit Sharma and Gambhir was strained during the tour. Rohit was reportedly unhappy after being asked to bat in the middle order. It further claimed that the BCCI had to step in and ease tensions between the two. The situation reportedly worsened before the final Test, where Rohit did not play. While he said the decision to sit out was his own, the report claimed he had been dropped.
In a gap of few days in May, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from Test cricket ahead of India’s tour of England. Reports suggested Rohit’s decision came after learning he was no longer part of the Test plans, while Kohli’s retirement came as a surprise. Both had struggled for runs in recent matches, leading to growing questions over their place in the playing XI.
Following their exits, Shubman Gill was appointed India’s new Test captain. Under his leadership, India secured a 2-2 drawn series in England.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are now set to return to international action in the ODI series against England, beginning on July 14. Although both remain key members of the squad, they are expected to face increasing scrutiny as they aim to extend their careers and remain in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
