New Delhi: India’s newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir has delivered a strong and motivating message to the young Indian Test team, led by Shubman Gill, as they gear up for the five-match Test series against England. With seasoned stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin having recently retired from Test cricket, the team is entering a transition phase, and Gambhir is urging the next generation to step up.
In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Gambhir addressed the squad in a team huddle, acknowledging the absence of India’s three most experienced Test players but urging his players to focus on the opportunity in front of them.
“There are two ways of looking at this,” Gambhir told the team. “One is that we are without our three most experienced players—Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Or we can look at this as a phenomenal opportunity to do something special for the country.”
Emphasizing grit and intent, Gambhir continued, “When I look at this group, I see hunger, passion, and commitment. If we make sacrifices, step out of our comfort zones, and start fighting—not just every day but every session, every hour, every ball—we can have a memorable tour. Let’s begin that right now. There’s no greater honour than playing for the country.”
The retirement of Virat and Rohit from Test cricket came mid-way through the IPL 2025 season, catching many by surprise. The decision came just before Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee was set to name the squad for the England tour. What led to their sudden exits remains unclear, as neither the BCCI nor the players have publicly disclosed the reasons.
Ravichandran Ashwin had earlier announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket during India’s tour of Australia, having realized that he was no longer an automatic pick in the Test XI.
With a young and relatively inexperienced squad, the upcoming series in England is expected to be a tough challenge. However, under Gambhir’s leadership and with a fresh outlook, the Indian team is aiming to write a new chapter in its Test legacy.
