Gautam Gambhir backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to take a call on their Test future, says the duo will do what is best for Indian cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has put his weight behind under-fire Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar series, which Australia won by 3-1 to regain the elusive trophy after a decade.

While Kohli could only muster 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75 against Australia, Rohit Sharma managed only 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20.

Gambhir backed the veteran duo to themselves take a call on their Test future and feels the pair will do what is best for Indian cricket.

“I can’t talk about the future of any player. It’s up to them as well,” he told reporters after India’s six-wicket loss to Australia in Sydney. India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1.

“What I can say is that they still have the hunger, they still have the passion, they are tough people.

“And hopefully they can continue to take it and bring it forward. But ultimately, as we all know, that whatever they plan, they will plan for the best.”

On the other hand, Gautam Gambhir also shed light on Rohit Sharma’s decision to opt out in the SCG Test because of poor form.

“I would like to say that so many reports have been written and so many things have been said. At least, we can be a little more sensible in that regard.

“If a captain, not even a captain, if a leader has taken this decision ahead of his team, then I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. So, a lot of things have been said and a lot of things have been said.

“Ultimately, the international team is not sitting there, the most important thing is the team and the most important thing is the country,” said Gambhir.

On the future of the team, Gambhir said: “Every individual knows that his game and his hard work is the most important thing for any sport and any profession.”

India will next take on England in three ODIs and five T20Is at home.