Gambhir hints at changes in India’s Test outfit ahead of next WTC cycle

For the first time in the history of the World Test Championship (WTC), India will not be part of the final after they lost the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 on January 5 (Sunday). 

But rather than dwelling over what's happened, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has already started looking forward to the next cycle, beginning with India’s tour of England in June 2025. He hinted that a lot of changes could take place in the Indian side in five months.  

“We have five months to plan as to where we want to head towards. It’s not the right moment to talk about where we are going to be after five months. Forms change, people change, attitudes change. Everything changes in sports and five months is a long time,” Gambhir said in the post-match press conference after the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“We will see what’s going to happen before the England series. But whatever is going to happen, will happen for the best of the Indian team,” he added. 

The 43-year-old refused to delve into details of what will happen to the careers of India’s most experienced duo of captain Rohit Sharma and his predecessor, Virat Kohli. 

While Rohit made 31 runs in five innings of three matches at an average of 6.20, Kohli had just one hundred to his name when the Perth wicket became placid in India’s second innings. Kohli ended up averaging just a tick over 23, and got dismissed caught behind the wickets a staggering eight times out of eight.

“I can’t talk about the future of any player. It’s up to them as well. What I can say is they still have the hunger and passion. They are tough people and hopefully, they can continue to take Indian cricket forward,” Gambhir said on the future of the two senior statesmen of the team. 

“First things first, every individual knows where their game and the hunger for it is at. It is important to know whether the team is moving forward with your contribution or not because ultimately you are playing for the country. 

"We have very honest people in our dressing room who know this,” he added upon being asked what he thinks would be the best way for Rohit and Kohli to deal with the pressure they are under at the moment.