In his first public appearance since being removed as India’s ODI captain, Rohit Sharma opened up about the Champions Trophy 2025 victory, giving full credit to Rahul Dravid for laying the foundation of India’s recent success. However, fans were quick to notice that Gautam Gambhir, who was India’s head coach during the tournament, was not mentioned in Rohit’s speech — sparking widespread speculation across the cricketing world.
Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai, Rohit reflected on India’s journey from heartbreak to glory. Under his leadership and Dravid’s guidance, India bounced back from the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss to win two ICC titles — the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
“It’s not about one or two years of work; this journey started long ago,” Rohit said. “We came close several times but fell short. This time, everyone committed to doing something different, and the entire team believed in that approach.”
The 38-year-old skipper, who received a special memento for leading India to Champions Trophy glory, praised his teammates’ mindset and work ethic. “Every player was mentally prepared to challenge themselves and avoid complacency. Once we won the first game, the focus immediately shifted to the next one — that consistency was key,” he added.
Rohit also revealed how the winning mentality carried over from India’s T20 World Cup campaign in 2024 to their Champions Trophy success. “The same thought process continued from Rahul bhai’s era — it was about commitment, unity, and execution,” he noted.
Interestingly, Dravid’s coaching tenure ended after the 2024 T20 World Cup, and Gambhir took over as head coach in July 2024. Therefore, it was Gambhir who officially led the side during the Champions Trophy. Yet, Rohit’s speech omitted any reference to him, hinting at potential tension following his removal as ODI captain.
Reports suggest that Gambhir and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar felt a younger captain should lead India towards the 2027 World Cup, raising questions about Rohit’s long-term ODI role.
Still, Rohit remains determined to make a statement in India’s upcoming ODI series against Australia, beginning October 19. “I’ve always taken pride in performing across all formats. Australia is a tough place to play, but I love the challenge,” he said. “We know what to expect there and hope to deliver results that make our fans proud.”
With emotions running high and speculation swirling, Rohit’s remarks mark his first direct response to leadership changes — offering both respect for Dravid’s impact and quiet resilience toward what lies ahead.