Tensions Rise in Indian Cricket: gambhir’s Relationship with Kohli, Sharma Strained, BCCI Concerned
RAIPUR/VISAKHAPATNAM – A report indicates growing friction between Indian ODI head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, prompting potential discussions about the future dynamics within the team. The strained relationships, coupled with a surge of negative social media attention directed at Gambhir, are causing concern within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
While India’s recent successes - drawing a Test series in England and winning the Asia Cup - have been celebrated, the return of Kohli and Sharma to the ODI format in October has seemingly altered the atmosphere within the dressing room, according to a report in Dainik Jagran. Sources cited by the publication suggest the dynamic between Gambhir and the two batting stalwarts has become “borderline cold.”
“The relations between Gautam Gambhir and senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma aren’t as good as they should be, and there could be a meeting regarding the future of the two players,” the BCCI source told Dainik Jagran. ”This could take place either in Raipur or Visakhapatnam – venues for the second and third ODIs.”
The report details a noticeable disconnect during the recent Australia ODI series. Rohit Sharma and BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar reportedly did not interact at all during the series, coinciding with kohli and Sharma’s return to the Indian cricket team after a hiatus since March. Similarly,interaction between Kohli and Gambhir has been limited during the ongoing South Africa ODIs.
The BCCI is also reportedly displeased with the volume of criticism Gambhir is receiving on social media from fans of Kohli and Sharma.
Gambhir and Kohli have a history marked by both on-field camaraderie and off-field conflict, including two well-documented incidents in the Indian Premier League in 2013 and 2023. Following Gambhir’s appointment as head coach, the two appeared to have reconciled, even sharing lighthearted moments captured in BCCI-released videos. Though, those displays of warmth have reportedly diminished, particularly after Kohli and Sharma announced their retirements from Test cricket within a week of each other.