By In what has quickly become one of the most discussed developments in Indian cricket, reports suggest that Team India captain Rohit Sharma was “off” during a recent net session, while head coach Gautam Gambhir was spotted having a long and animated conversation with the player who could potentially replace him in the near future. The scene, which unfolded ahead of India’s next international assignment, has sparked widespread speculation about future leadership plans and the direction Indian cricket may be heading under Gambhir’s watch.
According to multiple sources close to the team, Rohit Sharma appeared to have taken a light training session during the nets, spending only a brief period with the bat before heading back to the dressing room. Meanwhile, Gambhir was seen spending a significant amount of time observing and then chatting privately with one of India’s rising stars—who many believe could be groomed as Rohit’s long-term successor in the national setup.
Though the identity of this “replacement” has not been officially confirmed, insiders suggest that the discussion involved a young top-order batter who has recently impressed both in domestic cricket and in the IPL. The meeting between Gambhir and the player reportedly lasted for over 20 minutes, focusing on technique, temperament, and leadership attitude—three areas that Gambhir has often emphasized in his coaching philosophy.
This development comes at a time when the Indian team management is expected to undergo a period of transition. With the T20 World Cup behind them and a new World Test Championship cycle underway, questions have been raised about the future of senior players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both veterans have served Indian cricket with distinction, but with age and workload becoming key factors, selectors and coaches are now looking at ways to build a sustainable core for the next few years.
Gambhir, who took over the coaching reins earlier this year, has been vocal about introducing fresh energy and competitive intensity into the squad. His close working relationship with several young players during his IPL stint has reportedly given him a clear idea of who fits best into his vision for the team. His lengthy discussion during the nets, therefore, has fueled the belief that he is already identifying potential future leaders.
Rohit Sharma’s body language, according to eyewitnesses, was calm and composed, though some fans noticed that he appeared slightly withdrawn during the session. Those close to the team, however, downplayed any speculation, insisting that Rohit was simply managing his workload and preparing strategically for the upcoming matches. “There’s no tension or conflict. Rohit is a senior pro who knows how to handle his training intensity. Gambhir’s chat with youngsters is part of the developmental process,” a team source clarified.
Nevertheless, social media has been abuzz since reports of the “lengthy chat” emerged. Hashtags like #RohitSharma and #Gambhir have trended across platforms, with fans debating whether this signals a major shift in India’s cricketing leadership. While some users expressed support for grooming a successor early, others argued that Rohit still has plenty of cricket left in him and remains one of the most tactically astute captains in modern cricket.
It’s also worth noting that Gambhir and Rohit share a healthy professional respect. During IPL 2024, Gambhir had publicly praised Rohit for his consistency and leadership, calling him “a calm captain who brings balance to the team.” Yet, given Gambhir’s proactive coaching style, his efforts to prepare for the future are hardly surprising.
As things stand, there is no official word from the BCCI or team management regarding any leadership change. However, with India’s next major tournaments on the horizon and several promising young cricketers waiting in the wings, the coming months may well mark the beginning of a new chapter in Indian cricket—one where experience meets evolution, and mentorship shapes the next generation of stars.
