Champions Trophy 2025: "He trusts me on the field", Rohit Sharma on working with Gautam Gambhir
Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian captain Rohit Sharma has expressed confidence in his working relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir, despite mounting scrutiny after India’s recent Test series defeats. Gambhir took over as head coach following Rahul Dravid’s exit post the Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA. However, under Gambhir’s leadership, India suffered consecutive Test series losses to New Zealand and Australia, including a historic 0-3 home defeat to the Black Caps, ending a 12-year unbeaten streak in home Tests.
Amid reports of tension in the dressing room, including Gambhir allegedly reprimanding the team during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit praised Gambhir’s support and trust. Speaking at the squad announcement for the ICC Champions Trophy and the ODI series against England, Rohit said, "Both of us are very clear about what we wanted to do. I am not going to sit here and discuss what goes behind the scenes, every game tactically. But, it's very clear in my mind. But Gautam Gambhir is pretty... once we enter the field, he trusts what the captain is doing on the field."
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Rohit elaborated on their dynamic, emphasizing Gambhir’s faith in his decisions during matches. “The basic talk that happens is only off the field. On the ground or maybe in the changing room, once we take the field, it's all about what I do on the field. That's the kind of trust we have in each other. That's how it should be. That's about it,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rohit has returned to Mumbai’s training camp for the Ranji Trophy, aiming to regain form. The BCCI recently mandated domestic cricket participation for national selection, but it remains unclear if Rohit will feature in Mumbai’s Elite Group A match against Jammu and Kashmir.
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Rohit’s performance has come under scrutiny following a poor Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign, where he scored just 31 runs across three matches before missing the New Year’s Test. Gambhir, too, has faced criticism regarding his credentials as head coach. Both now aim to bounce back as India gears up for the Champions Trophy.
