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Many may have been surprised by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s abrupt departure, but if reports are to be believed, the pair’s fate was sealed after India’s decline during the conclusion of the last ICC World Test Championship cycle. Both Rohit and Kohli struggled for form as India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, ending their hopes of making it to the WTC final, and suffered a record clean sweep at home against New Zealand.

According to a source in the news agency PTI, Gambhir had made it clear that he wanted fresh faces for the upcoming WTC cycle and that ending the Indian team’s star culture was his top priority.

“This marks the start of the Gautam Gambhir era. On condition of anonymity, a BCCI official informed the news agency, “He was clear that India needs new faces for the next WTC cycle.”

Ajit Agarkar, the leader of the BCCI selection committee, shared Gambhir’s goals.

All those involved in decision-making were aware of Gambhir’s position against carrying seniors in the longest format. “Clearly, he and Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, had similar opinions,” the insider continued.

This development is interpreted as Gambhir’s increasing power inside the organization. In the past, the captain has always had the last word on team affairs. The coach is now the most important member, though, as two veteran players have retired.

In order to ensure that “debacles like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the New Zealand series at home aren’t repeated anymore,” Gambhir reportedly requested that the BCCI give him the appropriate authority.

Both Rohit and Kohli announced their respective Test careers were coming to an end on social media.

To choose India’s team for the five-match Test series in England that will begin the next WTC cycle, the selection committee is scheduled to convene later this month. Since Jasprit Bumrah is allegedly choosing not to play, Shubman Gill is in the running to be chosen as the next Test captain.