'Next India coach' Gautam Gambhir reacts to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's T20I retirement

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Gautam Gambhir, who is expected to become the next coach of the senior India men's cricket team, reacted to the news of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from T20I cricket on Sunday, June 30.

Senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli made the announcement to retire moments after India defeated South Africa by seven runs to win the T20 World Cup 2024 title in Barbados on Saturday, June 29.

Gautam Gambhir congratulated the star duo for their incredible T20I careers, and expressed hope that they will keep delivering for India in the Test and ODI formats.

"They both are great players and have done so much for Indian cricket. I really want to congratulate and wish them all the best. They still play One Day and Test cricket. I am sure they are going to keep contributing to the success of the country and the team," Gambhir told PTI after offering prayers at Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's inclusion in the India squad for T20 World Cup 2024 was questioned by many. However, they proved all the critics wrong with their timely and match-winning performances.

While Rohit's 92 sent Australia out of the tournament, and 57 against England gave India a 48-run win in the semi-final - Virat Kohli stepped up in the final with 76 off 59 balls. India were 34/3 at one stage but Kohli's innings saw them post 176/7 - the highest-ever total in the T20 World Cup final.

Rahul Dravid's tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team ended with the end of India's successful T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. Gambhir is reportedly set to succeed Dravid in the role and will take charge with India's tour of Sri Lanka in July end.