India head coach Gautam Gambhir has opened up about his relationship with former captain Rohit Sharma, saying their equation was never limited to the coach-captain relationship.
Notably, there are speculations that there is a rift between Rohit and Gambhir, and those speculations came after the superstar batter announced his retirement after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, despite announcing that he will play more Tests.
Gambhir explained that he and Rohit had known each other for years before he took over as India’s head coach. Their association goes back to the time when Gambhir was a senior player and Rohit was still making his way in international cricket.
Gambhir On Understanding Rohit’s Thinking
According to Gambhir, having played together for India helped him and Rohit understand each other better. He felt this made their conversations easier when they had to make important decisions for the team.
The former India opener had watched Rohit develop from a young international cricketer into one of the senior figures in Indian cricket. That familiarity, he said, meant there was no need for the two to spend time trying to understand each other’s approach.
‘Everyone’s Intention Has Been Indian Cricket’
Gambhir also stressed the importance of a strong understanding between a coach and captain. He said disagreements can happen, but the focus should always remain on what is best for the team.
He added that the same experience had continued with the other captains he has worked with during his time as India coach.
“And that is why I said that with all four, whichever four captains I have worked with, this has been my experience with them, that everyone’s intention has been Indian cricket,” Gambhir added.
Rohit Sharma's upcoming outing
Rohit, who has already retired from T20Is and Tests, will now be seen featuring in the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies which will start from September 27.