Robin Uthappa slams Gautam Gambhir for overlooking Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s heroics against South Africa

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India‘s recent 2-1 ODI series victory over South Africa showcased Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli‘s enduring class in the 50-over format, yet head coach Gautam Gambhir‘s post-match remarks sparked unexpected controversy. Former India batter Robin Uthappa voiced astonishment at Gambhir’s apparent oversight of the duo’s pivotal roles, fuelling debates about team dynamics ahead of future white-ball campaigns. Kohli amassed 302 runs including two centuries and a fifty to claim Player of the Series, while Rohit notched 146 runs across two half-centuries, anchoring chases in Ranchi and Visakhapatnam.​

Uthappa highlighted the oddity during a recent YouTube discussion, noting Gambhir’s press conference after the decisive third ODI in Visakhapatnam largely sidestepped specific praise for the senior batters despite their match-defining knocks.

“What I found surprising is… I didn’t see Gautam giving credit to either Rohit or Virat. Here are a couple of guys who’ve batted out of their skins,” Uthappa remarked on his YouTube channel, emphasizing how their form silenced critics questioning their ODI relevance.

India chased 271 in the finale with Rohit’s 75 and Kohli’s unbeaten 65 partnering Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s maiden ODI ton, while Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna claimed four wickets each to bowl out South Africa for 270.​

This reaction contrasts Uthappa’s prior defenses of Gambhir during tougher phases, like post-Test defeats, underscoring the expectation for acknowledgment after such dominance. Gambhir instead focused on collective intent and long-term preparation, stating the 2027 ODI World Cup remains distant and stressing present focus alongside the veterans’ dressing-room value.​

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The series propelled Kohli to second in ICC ODI batting rankings with 773 points, trailing Rohit’s summit position on 781, reflecting their consistency amid India’s transition. Rohit retained top spot after his steady 48.67 average series contribution, while Kohli’s 151 average edged him closer to reclaiming No.1 lost in 2021. South Africa levelled at 1-1 via a thrilling four-wicket chase in Raipur, but India’s first and third ODIs—powered by Kohli’s 135 and seniors’ poise—sealed the triumph.​

Gambhir’s measured response prioritized team evolution over individual accolades, amid speculation on senior roles for upcoming cycles. Uthappa’s critique spotlights tensions in crediting experience versus youth integration, as India eyes T20Is and beyond following the Test whitewash reversal.

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