India head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he might not have managed certain relationships within the team perfectly, particularly with senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Both veterans stepped away from Test cricket during Gambhir’s first season in charge after India’s disappointing campaign in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
At the Revsportz Conclave in Kolkata, Gambhir was asked about ongoing media reports suggesting that his relationship with Kohli and Rohit had deteriorated. Without directly confirming any issues, the coach acknowledged that mistakes could have happened during his tenure. He stressed that errors are inevitable and that he does not claim to be perfect.
Gambhir explained that he accepts the possibility of having made wrong calls over the past year and a half, but believes the intent behind decisions matters most. According to him, decisions made with honest intentions should be understood, whereas actions taken with the wrong motive are unacceptable within the team environment.
He also said that transparency with players remains essential in his role. As long as he can speak openly and honestly with members of the dressing room, he believes he is fulfilling his responsibilities as head coach.
India’s struggles in Test series against the New Zealand national cricket team and the Australia national cricket team triggered a review by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Following that assessment, the board introduced stricter rules for the Test side, placing limits on the level of individual freedom players previously had.
Shortly after those developments, both Kohli and Rohit decided to retire from the longest format of the game, bringing an end to their long Test careers.
Since then, the team management has begun focusing on a younger group of players led by Shubman Gill. Results during this transition phase have been mixed. India managed to hold England to a draw in an away series, defeated the West Indies national cricket team, but later suffered a setback in a two-match series against the South Africa national cricket team.
Even with inconsistent outcomes, the new-look side has started to display the aggressive and evolving approach the management wants to establish in Test cricket.
Meanwhile, Kohli and Rohit continue to represent India only in One Day Internationals and are aiming to remain in contention for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. However, the coaching staff and selectors have made it clear that their selection for the tournament will depend on performance rather than reputation.
