Gautam Gambhir directly accused of forcing Rohit, Kohli and Ashwin's retirement: 'Made sure they are not in Indian team'

By Admin

08 Oct, 2025

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has sparked a major controversy by accusing Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir of forcing the retirements of stalwarts Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. His scathing comments have sent shockwaves through the cricket fraternity, reigniting debates about the changing team culture and internal dynamics within Indian cricket.

Manoj Tiwary’s Bold Allegations

In a candid conversation with InsideSport, Tiwary minced no words as he lambasted Gambhir for “ruining the team culture” since taking over as head coach. He claimed that multiple controversies have erupted ever since Gambhir assumed charge, and the atmosphere within the team has deteriorated drastically.

“If the senior players are there   if Ashwin is there, if Rohit is there, or if Virat is there   these guys have played so much cricket, and they are far more established than the head coach or the staff. These players will raise questions if they disagree with a point. So, you just made sure that these guys are not there, basically,” said Tiwary.

He further alleged that Gambhir dislikes being questioned and prefers complete control over decisions. “I have observed that since this coach took on the role, a lot of controversies have arisen. Many things that are happening are not good for Indian cricket. Ashwin, Rohit, and Virat retiring after his appointment is not a coincidence,” Tiwary added.

A String of Unexpected Retirements

Tiwary’s comments come amid growing discussions about the sudden retirements of India’s most experienced players. Ravichandran Ashwin retired midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year. Earlier this year, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their Test retirements following a disappointing tour of Australia.

The timing of these decisions shocked fans and analysts alike   especially with a major home series against England around the corner. Many are now wondering if these exits were truly voluntary or the result of internal pressure.

Leadership Transition and Growing Tensions

The controversy deepened after Shubman Gill replaced Rohit Sharma as India’s ODI captain, a move that fueled social media debates. Fans have since questioned whether Rohit and Kohli would be part of the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Despite the criticism, both senior players   fondly called RoKo by fans   are expected to make a brief return for India’s first international series since the 2025 Champions Trophy. However, uncertainty continues to surround their long-term future in the team.

Tiwary’s Mixed View on Gambhir

Interestingly, Tiwary also acknowledged that Gambhir might not go as far as dropping Rohit and Kohli entirely from the ODI setup, given their immense contributions to Indian cricket.

“I believe the circumstances and pressure have affected these players. Rohit and Virat have been outstanding servants of Indian cricket   they’ve taken it to new heights. If they feel unwanted in the dressing room, retirement might seem like the only option. But I don’t think Gambhir will make such a big call to exclude them,” said Tiwary.

What Lies Ahead for RoKo?

Reports suggest that the upcoming three-match series against Australia could serve as a farewell for Rohit and Kohli, though no official announcements have been made yet. According to Dainik Jagran, both players might be asked to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to prove their form and commitment if they wish to feature in the 2027 World Cup plans.

Conclusion

The allegations against Gautam Gambhir have reignited old debates about player-coach power dynamics and the balance between youth and experience in Indian cricket. While Tiwary’s claims remain unverified, they have undoubtedly stirred up emotions among fans and experts alike.

As Indian cricket navigates this turbulent phase, one question looms large   is the new leadership truly building for the future, or has it come at the cost of sidelining the legends who defined an era?