There is a lot of chatter about the Indian dressing room, and the matter escalated further earlier this week after reports emerged that Rohit Sharma might play his last ODI for India on Sunday at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
The performances have been mixed for the Hitman in the ODIs of late, and the pressure is truly mounting on him as Yashasvi Jaiswal continues to warm the bench, despite scoring two centuries in his last three matches for the Men in Blue.
Amid rising speculation about Rohit’s future, a PTI report also shed light on the nature of the relationship between the former India captain and head coach Gautam Gambhir. The report revealed that Rohit approached Gambhir to take up a coaching role in the Indian setup, but later their relationship soured, especially during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
However, on Saturday, both Rohit and Gambhir were seen giggling with each other at the Lord’s balcony, and the spirits within the camp seemed happy. The duo were also joined by the batting coach Sitanshu Kotak.
The trio had a brief chat on the balcony, and soon all the parties headed to the pitchside area for the training session ahead of the third and final ODI.
In the ongoing series, Rohit has returned with scores of 11 and 26. The Cardiff ODI saw Rohit being really scratchy as he ate up 47 balls for his score of 26. An Indian Express report then later reported that Rohit wants to continue playing and represent the team in the World Cup, but the selection committee doesn’t see him in their plans for the tournament.
The same report claimed that Rohit could be on his way out and might play his last match for India on Sunday. However, the BCCI has now denied these rumours, with secretary Devajit Saikia going on record to say Rohit won’t be playing his last match in London.
Virat’s equation with Gambhir
Not just Rohit and Gambhir, much has also been said about the equation between the head coach and Virat Kohli. Ever since the latter retired from Tests, the duo have not been seen speaking to each other during training sessions or in the dressing room.
However, after the loss in the second ODI, Sitanshu Kotak denied the rumours, saying both Virat and Gambhir are on talking terms and exchange notes about the game situation every now and then. Kotak also denied acting as a “bridge” between the two parties.
Kotak had also denied the presence of pressure on Rohit, saying it was a matter of time before the former India captain came good and got on the run-scoring board.