In the backdrop of India’s ongoing Test series against England, a light-hearted yet headline-grabbing moment has captured the attention of cricket fans across the country. Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir, known for his serious demeanor on the field, showed his humorous side during a recent Netflix-streamed episode of The Kapil Sharma Show. His now-viral comment about Indian cricket legend Rohit Sharma has lit up social media timelines.
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A Dressing Room Without the Old Guards
With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having stepped away from Test and T20I formats, the Indian cricket team touring England is a youthful squad led by Shubman Gill and mentored by Gautam Gambhir. Rohit and Virat’s retirement from two of the three international formats has marked a generational shift in Indian cricket, leaving ODIs as the only format they still actively participate in.
Gautam Gambhir’s Playful Jab at Rohit Sharma on The Kapil Sharma Show
A video snippet featuring Gautam Gambhir alongside Rishabh Pant and Yuzvendra Chahal is making the rounds on social media. In the show hosted by comedian Kapil Sharma, a cheeky question was posed: “In most families, there’s always a jethani (sister-in-law) who runs the household. Who is that one player in the team who behaves like that, taking charge just by seniority?”
Quick to respond, Rishabh Pant grinned and replied, “Rohit bhai is like that.” Without missing a beat, Gambhir joked: “Maine kaha, Rohit ka naam le le… ab to retire ho gaya.” (“Take Rohit’s name… he’s retired now.”)
The room erupted in laughter, and the internet followed soon after.
Rebuilding the Team Culture Post Rohit Era
Interestingly, beyond the jokes, there’s a noticeable shift in the team’s internal dynamics. Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, there had been criticism during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, with sources claiming a lack of team bonding and unity.
Determined to rebuild that sense of camaraderie, Shubman Gill—now India’s captain in Tests—and head coach Gambhir have revived a tradition that had seemingly been lost. Ahead of the second Test at Edgbaston, Gill hosted a team dinner to foster connection among the players—especially important given the influx of newcomers in the squad.
This move, sources say, reflects Gambhir’s intent to break away from the fragmented environment seen during Rohit’s final overseas stint as captain. The dinner wasn’t just a meal—it was a message: unity over hierarchy.
A Generational Shift in Full Swing
Rohit Sharma’s transition into limited-format specialist marks the end of an era. His absence is not just felt on the pitch, but also in the way the Indian dressing room now operates. With younger leaders like Gill at the helm and Gambhir reinstating core values, Indian cricket seems to be entering a new, more cohesive phase—while never forgetting to laugh along the way.
Rohit Sharma’s Current Format Status
| Format | Status | Last Match Played (as of 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Test | Retired | 2024 |
| T20I | Retired | 2024 (Post T20 World Cup) |
| ODI | Still Active | Expected for 2025 Champions Trophy |
FAQs
What did Gautam Gambhir say about Rohit Sharma on The Kapil Sharma Show?
He joked, “Rohit ka naam le le… ab to retire ho gaya,” when Rishabh Pant called Rohit a senior who orders everyone around.
Has Rohit Sharma retired from all forms of cricket?
No, Rohit has retired from Tests and T20Is but continues to play ODIs.
Why is the team dinner before the Edgbaston Test significant?
It marks a revival of team bonding culture under Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir, absent in previous tours.
What was the criticism during India’s last tour of Australia?
There were reports of a lack of unity and team bonding, which some blamed on poor leadership and groupism.
Is Gautam Gambhir India’s current head coach?
Yes, Gautam Gambhir took over after Rahul Dravid stepped down post the 2024 T20 World Cup.
