Indian cricket finds itself navigating a delicate situation, with reports of friction between Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and iconic batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma casting a shadow over the team’s recent ODI success. Despite a hard-fought 17-run victory against South Africa to take a 1-0 lead, the celebrations are reportedly muted due to growing tensions within the squad.
The win against South Africa was a crucial confidence booster after a challenging period, including a loss to Australia and a whitewash in South Africa. The reintroduction of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the ODI side had brought renewed vigor and exceptional batting performances, with both players registering significant scores. Their form had seemingly restored the team’s momentum and delighted supporters.
Yet, an undercurrent of discord appears to be present. Reports suggest that Gambhir’s rapport with Kohli and Rohit has significantly cooled. While the T20 and Test environments are said to be unaffected, the ODI dressing room is allegedly experiencing a fractured atmosphere. The disconnect is described as more than just professional, with sources indicating a personal strain between Gambhir and Kohli, contradicting earlier perceptions of reconciliation.
Adding to the complexity, Rohit Sharma’s interactions with chief selector Ajit Agarkar are also reportedly strained. The BCCI is reportedly unhappy with the constant online criticism targeted at Gambhir, often amplified by the followers of the star cricketers, which is believed to be worsening the internal climate.
The BCCI is now contemplating a high-profile meeting during the upcoming ODIs in Raipur and Visakhapatnam. The agenda is expected to include discussions on the future of the senior players and the underlying reasons for the team’s disharmony. Adding fuel to the speculation, Gambhir is said to have restricted additional net practice for Kohli and Rohit, and his solo arrival in Ranchi days after the senior players has further fueled rumors of internal divisions. Despite these off-field challenges, Kohli and Rohit continue to exhibit remarkable form, underscoring their enduring class and commitment.