The Saga of Dressing Room Leaks IS THE END NEAR FOR ROHIT AND VIRAT?

The start to 2025 has been anything but happy for Indian cricket. Amid New Year celebrations worldwide, the Indian cricket team finds itself entangled in a huge row that has shaken its image as a cohesive unit. An incisive report, based largely on dressing room leaks, has stirred significant unrest, suggesting that head coach Gautam Gambhir reprimanded top players for selfish performances during the Australia series. Adding to the drama, captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to “rest” himself from the crucial final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has raised more questions than answers.

As if losses in Adelaide and Melbourne were not enough, on the eve of the Sydney test, India were hit by media reports that suggested massive Dressing Room frictions. According to these reports, head coach Gautam Gambhir gave the Indian cricketers quite a dressing down in the dressing room and slammed several players for putting personal goals over the needs of the team. After the reports triggered a Social Media storm, captain Rohit Sharma was under intense pressure as one of the journalists who wrote the original report is considered close to Rohit - and that led to massive speculation that Rohit was linked to the leaks! Though ‘officially’ Rohit is said to have opted to ‘rest’, the cricket world is buzzing that the Indian captain has paid a price for his links to the leaks – and may well have played his last test at Melbourne. Some say that even Virat may face the axe if he fails to produce a big knock at Sydney.

Given this storm, it was no surprise that India began on a shaky note in the Sydney test, pivotal for India to level the series. A familiar collapse saw India managing only 185 in their first innings, with Rishabh Pant’s gritty 40 and Jasprit Bumrah’s unexpected 22 saving them from complete humiliation. Repeated failures of Rohit and Kohli have worsened the team’s struggles and now fans and critics alike are questioning whether it’s time for these giants of Indian cricket to step aside.

India’s historic 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home had already sparked debates about the future of RoKo as the Rohit-Kohli duo are often called. Once the pillars of India’s batting, their inability to deliver in crucial moments in recent months has been glaring. Against New Zealand and now Australia, both players have faltered in high-pressure situations, failing to produce the consistent brilliance that once defined their careers.

While occasional flashes of their former glory have surfaced, a sustained impact has been missing. Their struggles are further magnified by the sheer volume of expectations they carry. For over a decade, Rohit and Virat have been the face of Indian cricket, shouldering immense pressure from fans, the media, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).The huge physical and mental toll of such expectations, combined with the inevitable effects of age, has raised questions about their longevity at the top level.

The BCCI must tread carefully in handling the futures of these icons. Indian cricket has a history of mishandling the retirements of its greats. Players like Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, despite their immense contributions, exited the game under abrupt and less-thanideal circumstances. Such scenarios have often left fans and the players themselves with a bitter aftertaste.

Phasing out Rohit and Virat, if necessary, should be managed with sensitivity. These players have redefined Indian cricket and deserve a farewell befitting their stature. The younger generation of Indian cricketers is knocking on the door, eager and hungry to seize opportunities. This intensifies the pressure on Rohit and Virat to deliver or step aside. Beyond individual performances, they must consider their legacy and how they wish to be remembered by the millions of fans who have supported them unwaveringly for years.

Their contributions to Indian cricket are unparalleled, and their exit, whenever it comes, should leave behind a legacy of grace, dignity, and inspiration for the next generation. Whether they decide to step back now or fight through their slump, their choices will significantly impact how Indian cricket evolves in the coming years. The dressing room leaks saga and the subsequent fallout highlight deeper issues within the Indian team. Beyond the question of Rohit and Virat’s future, it underscores the need for unity and clarity in the team setup. The role of the coach, the captain, and the support staff must align to build a cohesive strategy that transcends individual egos and fosters collective success.

As the SCG Test unfolds and Team India battles both on-field challenges and off-field controversies, its clear that Indian cricket is now at a crossroads. Decisions now will shape not just the careers of Rohit and Virat but the future trajectory of Indian cricket itself.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Siddhaarth Mahan, The writer is a specialist on Sports and Cinema who works as an actor in the Hindi film industry