Gautam Gambhir set to have greater control of Indian cricket post-Kohli-Rohit era

Gautam Gambhir is reportedly poised to have greater control over the Indian cricket team with a stronger mandate than previous coaches—potentially wielding more influence than even the team captain. Following the retirement of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gambhir is expected to spearhead a cultural shift in Indian Test cricket, focusing on fresh talent and moving away from a star-driven setup.

Historically, Indian cricket has been shaped by dominant captains, often overshadowing coaches. Figures like Greg Chappell, Bishan Singh Bedi, and Anil Kumble struggled to assert authority against the leadership of Ganguly, Dhoni, Kohli, and Sharma. Meanwhile, coaches such as John Wright, Gary Kirsten, and Ravi Shastri found success by aligning closely with the captains. Gambhir, however, appears ready to break that tradition.

Sources close to the development suggest that Gambhir was unequivocal in his stance: a phased exit for senior players and the introduction of fresh faces is crucial for the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. The retirement of Kohli and Sharma has created space for this vision to take root.

While Rohit Sharma enjoyed a strong working relationship with former coach Rahul Dravid, his dynamic with Gambhir has reportedly been less cohesive. With the leadership vacuum now open, Gambhir's roadmap for Indian Test cricket includes prioritising long-term sustainability and a merit-based selection process.

However, this transition hasn’t come without setbacks. India struggled in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the home series against New Zealand—challenges that have tested the early phases of Gambhir's overhaul. Still, his firm commitment to reshaping the team culture and backing emerging players signals a bold new chapter for Indian cricket.