A significant victory in the ODI series against South Africa has been overshadowed by alarming reports of strained relations between Indian Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and veteran batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. India secured a 1-0 series lead with a closely fought 17-run win, but concerns about dressing room harmony are dominating headlines.
The recent win provided a much-needed lift after a series of defeats, including a loss to Australia and a whitewash in South Africa. The return of talismanic figures Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had coincided with a resurgence in the ODI team’s performance, with both players delivering stellar batting displays. Their presence had once again made India a formidable force in ODIs.
However, insider reports suggest a growing disconnect between Gambhir and the two star players. The relationship between Gambhir and Kohli, once thought to be mended after past IPL altercations, is reportedly now icy. Eyewitness accounts suggest minimal interaction and a lack of warmth between them during the ongoing series.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma’s association with chief selector Ajit Agarkar is also reported to be strained. This alleged discord has not gone unnoticed, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere within the squad. The BCCI is reportedly concerned about the intense online commentary targeting Gambhir, which is often driven by the fan communities of Kohli and Rohit, further complicating the internal dynamics.
To address these mounting concerns, the BCCI is reportedly planning a significant meeting in Raipur or Visakhapatnam, the locations for the next two ODIs. This intervention signifies the seriousness with which the board views the reported tensions and the potential impact on the team’s future. Further fueling speculation are claims that Gambhir denied Kohli and Rohit extra net sessions and arrived separately from the senior players, suggesting a deepening rift. Despite these off-field challenges, both Kohli and Rohit continue to prove their class with exceptional on-field performances, carrying India’s ODI hopes.