“Aaj Farewell Match Tha…”: Gambhir’s Chat With Rohit Fuels Retirement Fire

A widely shared video clip shows India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir jokingly telling Rohit Sharma, “Everyone thought it was your farewell match,” the exchange comes amid heavy speculation about the veteran opener’s ODI future following the series loss in Australia.

October 24, 2025: A video clip featuring a light-hearted but poignant exchange between Team India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and former captain Rohit Sharma has taken social media by storm, fueling ongoing speculation about the veteran opener’s retirement from ODI cricket.

The viral video, which could not be independently verified, reportedly shows Gambhir speaking to Rohit after India’s two-wicket defeat to Australia in the second ODI in Adelaide. In the clip, Gambhir is heard joking with the star batter, saying, “Rohit, sabko lag rha tha ki aaj farewell match thha, ek photo to lagaa do” (Rohit, everyone thought today was your farewell match, at least put out a photo).

The comment, made amid growing debate over the futures of both Rohit and Virat Kohli, has resonated with fans, who interpreted the exchange as a light moment acknowledging the pressure surrounding the senior players.

Rohit Battles Back, Kohli Falters

The series has seen sharp contrasts in performance from the two veteran batsmen.

Rohit Sharma returned to form in the Adelaide ODI, silencing critics with a composed 73 off 97 balls, forging a crucial 118-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer. The knock was a significant improvement after his dismissal for just 8 runs in the series opener in Perth. Despite his fighting effort, Australia successfully chased the target of 265, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

In stark contrast, Virat Kohli registered his first-ever back-to-back ducks in his storied ODI career, falling for zero in both Perth and Adelaide. His dismissal on Thursday was followed by a gesture to the Adelaide Oval crowd—a venue where he holds a phenomenal record—which many fans and experts have interpreted as a final farewell to the ground.

Farewell to Australia?

With no further ODI series scheduled for India in Australia for at least the next two years, the final match in Sydney is being viewed as the potential last time the legendary duo will feature in India blues Down Under.

Rohit first toured Australia for the CB Series in 2007-08, while Kohli made his impact in the 2011-12 season. Their return to the international stage for this series was highly anticipated, but the outcome has only intensified questions about their roles in the lead-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.