India’s recent 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa was marked by stellar performances from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, yet the post-match press conference raised eyebrows. Gambhir did not credit the contributions of India’s two batting stalwarts, sparking debate among fans, analysts, and former players alike.
Kohli was the standout performer of the series, amassing 302 runs across three matches at an exceptional average of 151, including two centuries. Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, contributed crucial fifties in two innings, scoring a total of 146 runs at an average of 48.66.
Their performances were pivotal in sealing India’s series victory, demonstrating that even in the twilight of their careers, both players remain indispensable in the ODI format.
Despite these achievements, Gambhir’s post-match remarks did not mention either Kohli or Rohit, focusing instead on team performance. Former India batter Robin Uthappa expressed surprise at this omission, questioning why the head coach did not recognize the contributions of the team’s senior batters.
“What I found surprising is that in the post-match press conference, I didn’t see Gautam giving credit to either Rohit or Virat.”
Uthappa said on his YouTube channel.
“Here are a couple of guys who’ve batted out of their skins and shown how good they are, proving the naysayers wrong.”
That felt strange
Kohli and Rohit, both in their late thirties, have retired from Tests and T20Is but continue to play ODIs for India. Their commitment and consistent performances highlight their enduring quality and motivation, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon.
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 3 | 302 | 151 | 0 | 2 |
| Rohit Sharma | 3 | 146 | 48.66 | 2 | 0 |
Kohli’s form against South Africa and Rohit’s contributions in earlier series, including Australia, have shown that the veteran duo can still deliver under pressure.
The apparent rift between the coaching staff and senior players has been a topic of speculation for some time. Gambhir has maintained a philosophy of avoiding singling out individuals for the team’s success, emphasizing collective achievement.
However, critics argue that exceptional individual performances deserve recognition, especially when they significantly contribute to victories.
Rohit and Kohli’s recent exploits have repeatedly silenced doubts about their ability to perform at the highest level. In the South Africa series, Kohli’s centuries and Rohit’s half-centuries were instrumental in achieving series dominance, yet their efforts were left unacknowledged in official statements.
The situation prompted broader discussion about the team management’s approach toward senior players and whether they are adequately appreciated for their contributions.
As India gears up for the upcoming ODI fixtures, including a series against New Zealand in January, all eyes will be on the veterans’ performances and how the management balances team focus with individual recognition.
Gambhir’s stance may reflect his broader team philosophy, but the debate over giving credit where it is due is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
