Gambhir discusses Rohit Sharma relationship ahead of India’s West Indies ODI series
Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, spoke in a recent interview about Rohit Sharma as India prepare to host the West Indies in a three-match ODI series that begins with an opening game on September 27, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram. Gambhir also expressed confidence in Shubman Gill’s ability to grow as a captain and confirmed that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain in the squad.
Conversations about whether the England tour earlier this year would be Rohit’s last ODI series resurfaced after multiple reports claimed the former captain had been told it would be his final series, reports that the BCCI later refuted. Rohit last represented India on July 19, 2026, in an ODI against England at Lord’s and is expected to play in the opening match of the home series against the West Indies on September 27, 2026. The three-match series forms part of India’s build-up to the ICC Cricket World Cup scheduled for October 2027 on the African continent.
Gambhir described Rohit as one of the most senior members of the Indian line-up and said the captain has led the Men in Blue for a long time. He underlined that his relationship with Rohit goes beyond the conventional coach-player dynamic and emphasised their long-standing connection. Gambhir noted the two had played together for India and that their bond stretched back nearly two decades.
Gautam Gambhir said: “See, Rohit’s and my relationship wasn’t just that of captain and coach. Rohit’s and my relationship goes back to when Rohit came into the team and I was a senior player at that time. So Rohit’s and my relationship dates back to then.”
Gautam Gambhir said: “Rohit knew me from then. It’s not like Rohit and I had a new relationship, or that I came in as a coach from a foreign country who had neither seen Rohit play nor knew him individually or personally, or what kind of person he is. So often, when you have played together, things become very easy. In fact, he knows my thinking and I know his thinking.”
Beyond describing their personal understanding, Gambhir said the captain and coach aim to work in the team’s best interests even when they disagree on particular issues. He also voiced support for Shubman Gill’s development as a captain, reiterating his backing for the youngster’s improvement in that role.
India will open the three-match ODI series against the West Indies at Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, 2026, with Rohit Sharma expected to take the field in that match, a fixture that forms part of the team’s preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup in October 2027 on the African continent.