Gambhir’s Relations With Rohit, Kohli Sour; BCCI Upset Over Rising Backlash: Report

The Indian ODI team finally has something to celebrate after defeating South Africa by 17 runs to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. The win, coming soon after a 1–2 loss in Australia, marks India’s second consecutive ODI victory and offers some relief after the earlier 0–2 whitewash against South Africa.

ODIs may now be sporadic—this is only India’s second series in the format since winning the Champions Trophy in February—but the presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has reignited interest. Their recent returns have brought back star power and delivered immediate impact: Rohit has scores of 73, 121*, 57, while Kohli has struck 74* and 135 in successive outings, triggering a wave of nostalgia among fans and a surge of excitement online.

Dressing-room unease despite on-field success

However, a report in Dainik Jagran suggests that beneath the positive results, the atmosphere within India’s ODI setup is strained. While the T20I and Test units are reportedly operating smoothly, the return of Kohli and Rohit has altered dynamics in the ODI squad—particularly in the equation between head coach Gautam Gambhir and the two senior players.

According to the report, relations between Gambhir and the star duo have become “borderline cold,” prompting discussions within the BCCI about a meeting to address the situation—likely to be held in Raipur or Visakhapatnam during the remaining ODIs.

Tensions are said to date back to the Australia ODI series in October, where Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar reportedly did not interact, despite Rohit and Kohli making successful returns after months away from international cricket. Communication between Kohli and Gambhir has also been minimal during the ongoing South Africa series.

BCCI upset over fan attacks on Gambhir

The situation has been exacerbated by aggressive social-media trolling of Gambhir by some Kohli and Rohit supporters, which has reportedly left the BCCI unhappy.

Kohli and Gambhir share a long, complicated history—having been teammates for India and Delhi before clashing twice in the IPL, in 2013 and 2023. After Gambhir became head coach, the two appeared to have reconciled, even featuring together in a cheerful BCCI video last year. But those warm interactions have faded, especially after Kohli and Rohit announced their Test retirements within a week of each other.

With two ODIs left in the series, India will hope on-field form continues to rise even as the board looks to calm tensions behind the scenes.