Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has dismissed ongoing debates suggesting that the presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma would have significantly changed India’s recent Test series results. The discussion resurfaced after India suffered a heavy 408-run defeat against South Africa in the final Test in Guwahati, marking another major setback within 12 months after a second home whitewash.
With critics questioning whether transitioning to a younger core under Shubman Gill has been premature, Gavaskar defended the selectors and team management. He reminded fans and analysts that even when Kohli, Rohit, and Ravichandran Ashwin were part of the squad during the New Zealand home series in 2024, India endured a 0-3 loss — their first home Test series defeat in over a decade. On the subsequent tour of Australia, India managed just one win and surrendered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in nearly ten years.
Speaking to Aaj Tak, Gavaskar stressed that it is incorrect to assume the veteran duo could have prevented the recent collapse. He said the outcome against South Africa would likely have remained unchanged, as the issues go beyond individual players. He further rejected claims that the management forced retirements, stating that career decisions from Rohit, Kohli, and Ashwin were personal choices.
Kohli and Rohit retired from Test cricket earlier this year, while Ashwin bowed out during the Australia series. However, both Kohli and Rohit continue to play ODIs and are set to return for the upcoming three-match series against South Africa starting November 30 in Ranchi.