Dubai: As speculation continues over Rohit Sharma’s future in international cricket, India head coach Gautam Gambhir delivered a firm and fiery response when asked about the Indian skipper’s longevity in the sport. Speaking at the post-match press conference after India's four-wicket victory over Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final, Gambhir refused to comment on how long Rohit will continue playing, instead emphasizing his impact as a leader.
Gambhir on Rohit Sharma’s Influence as a Captain
When a reporter asked Gambhir about Rohit Sharma’s form and future, the former Indian cricketer-turned-coach steered the discussion away from personal statistics, asserting that the team evaluates players based on impact rather than numbers.
“The Champions Trophy final is coming up. What can I say before that? If your captain bats with such a tempo, it gives a very good signal to the dressing room that we want to be absolutely fearless and courageous,” Gambhir stated.
Criticizing the media's focus on statistics, he further added:
“You evaluate from the runs; we evaluate from the impact. That’s the difference. As journalists, as experts, you look at numbers, averages. But as a coach, as a team, we don’t look at numbers or averages. If the captain puts up his hand first, then there is nothing better than that for the dressing room.”
Rohit Sharma Breaks Records, Leads India to Another ICC Final
While Gambhir did not clarify Rohit Sharma’s future after the Champions Trophy, he highlighted Rohit’s fearless approach at the top of the order.
Despite a modest tournament performance so far, Rohit has played a crucial role in setting the tone for India’s batting. In four matches, he has scored 104 runs at an average of 26.00 and a strike rate of 107.21, with a highest score of 41. Against Australia in the semi-final, he made 28 off 29 balls, hitting three fours and a six before being dismissed.
However, Rohit’s leadership record stands unparalleled. With this victory, he became the first captain in cricket history to reach the final of every ICC tournament. Under his captaincy, India has reached five ICC finals since he took over full-time leadership in February 2022.
Rohit Sharma’s ICC Finals Record as Captain:
- ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (Finalist)
- ICC T20 World Cup 2024 (Winner)
- ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 (Finalist)
- ICC World Test Championship 2023 (Finalist)
- ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (Finalist)
India also made history by becoming the first team to reach five Champions Trophy finals, surpassing all other teams in the tournament’s history.
What’s Next for India?
With the final scheduled for March 9 in Dubai, India will take on the winner of the semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa. As the Men in Blue prepare for yet another ICC final under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, speculation over his future will likely continue.
However, as Gambhir made clear, Rohit's legacy is not just about runs and averages—it is about the fearless brand of cricket he brings to the team.
