The red-ball world of Indian cricket is undergoing a seismic shift. Within just a week, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepped down from Test cricket, leaving fans and experts stunned. First, Rohit made his quiet exit via a brief Instagram story on May 7. Then came Virat, bowing out on May 12. Their sudden departure, especially ahead of the England tour, raised more questions than answers.
Now, a fresh report has cracked open the behind-the-scenes drama. And at the center of it stands a towering name — Gautam Gambhir. According to a PTI report, Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of Team India, has been vocal about his desire to revamp the squad for the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. A BCCI source told PTI,
"The Gautam Gambhir era begins now. He was categorical that during the next WTC cycle, India need to have fresh faces. Everyone, associated with decision making knew where Gambhir stood in terms of carrying seniors in the longest format. Obviously his and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar's thoughts aligned."
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Shubman Gill frontrunner as future Test captain
That alignment may have triggered the swift exits of two of Indian cricket’s biggest icons. Virat Kohli finishes with 9,230 Test runs, 30 centuries, and a commanding average of 54.80 as captain. Rohit Sharma, who replaced Virat as red-ball skipper in 2022, ends with 4,301 runs in 67 matches.
Shubman Gill is now seen as the man for the future. Already India's vice-captain in white-ball formats, he looks poised to step into the all-format leadership role. Jasprit Bumrah was once considered for the Test captaincy, but recurring fitness concerns have dimmed those hopes. And several reports are suggesting that he has opted out of the captaincy race.
Meanwhile, is expected to serve as Gill’s deputy. Pant, a dynamic presence since his debut in 2018, remains a first-choice pick in Tests.
