Gautam Gambhir behind Kohli and Rohit's T20 cricket retirement: A new twist emerges

In a stunning turn of events, Team India clinched victory against South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. The celebration, however, was followed by a series of unexpected announcements as cricket legends Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma declared their retirement from T20 international cricket.

Adding to the surprising retirements, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has also decided to hang up his boots in the T20 format. The sudden exits have sparked intense discussions about the underlying reasons for this mass exodus from the senior T20 ranks.

Also read: Sachin Tendulkar’s heartfelt tribute to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after T20 World Cup victory

Insider sources reveal a significant coaching shakeup as a key factor. Rahul Dravid is stepping down as the head coach, with Gautam Gambhir poised to take over. Gambhir, known for his strategic acumen, is reportedly planning a major overhaul, including the selection of distinct squads for different formats. This strategic shift appears to have influenced the decisions of Kohli and Rohit to step away from T20 internationals.

Captain Rohit Sharma addressed the media, expressing his thoughts on the retirement. "I never planned to retire from T20 cricket," Sharma admitted. "However, the circumstances led to this decision. Winning the T20 World Cup is a perfect note to bid farewell." He also confirmed his continued participation in the IPL, aligning with Gambhir’s vision for a separate T20 strategy.

The cricketing world watches closely as Gambhir's tenure begins, anticipating how these changes will shape the future of Indian cricket.