Gautam Gambhir Praises Kohli and Rohit While Highlighting Young Talent

Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, praised the invaluable experience of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma while also highlighting the impressive performances of younger talents. In a recent ODI series against South Africa, Kohli and Rohit played pivotal roles in India's victories. Gambhir expressed optimism about their continued success and noted the opportunity for young players to shine in the absence of senior bowlers. He specifically mentioned the emergence of Harshit Rana as a promising all-rounder, emphasizing the need for balance in the team as they prepare for future challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 7, 2025, 11:40 IST

Gambhir Commends Senior Players and Emerging Talent

The head coach of the Indian cricket team, Gautam Gambhir, expressed admiration for senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, emphasizing the significant impact of their experience on the team. He also acknowledged the remarkable performances of younger players.

In the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa, Kohli scored two centuries and one half-century, while Rohit contributed with two half-centuries, playing a crucial role in India's victories. Gambhir is optimistic that both seasoned players will continue their impressive form.

After India's nine-wicket victory in the third and final ODI, Gambhir told reporters, 'They are exceptional players. I have often stated that they are world-class. They excel in this format, and their experience in the dressing room is invaluable.' He added, 'They are doing what they have always done. They have been delivering such performances for Indian cricket for a long time. I hope they maintain this level of play going forward.'

The absence of senior fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, along with injuries to Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya, provided an opportunity for some young talents to showcase their skills. Gambhir was particularly pleased with the emergence of Harshit Rana as a bowling all-rounder.

He remarked, 'We are trying to develop players like Harshit who can contribute while batting at number eight. We need to create this balance, especially since we will require three strong fast bowlers for the South Africa tour two years from now (for the 2027 ODI World Cup). If he establishes himself as a bowling all-rounder, it will be beneficial for us.'

Gambhir also expressed his satisfaction with the performances of fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna. He noted, 'The performances of Arshdeep, Prasidh, and Harshit in this series have been remarkable. All three lack extensive experience, particularly in the 50-over format, having played fewer than 15 ODIs, yet they delivered outstanding performances.'