The Indian ODI camp may have returned to winning ways, but behind the scenes, a fresh tension is brewing between head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. A recent report from Dainik Jagran suggests growing discomfort inside the dressing room, raising concerns for the team’s long-term stability.
India’s 17-run win against South Africa in the first ODI brought much-needed relief after a difficult stretch, including a 1-2 loss in Australia and a damaging whitewash in South Africa earlier. With ODI matches becoming fewer, the return of Kohli and Rohit has reignited fan interest. Both senior batters have delivered consistently since October, reviving the Ro-Ko aura that has defined Indian cricket for over a decade.
Yet, despite the on-field success, the atmosphere inside the ODI setup remains uneven. The report claims that Gambhir’s relationship with Rohit and Kohli has become “cold,” especially after both players returned to the ODI fold this season. BCCI officials are reportedly worried, and a meeting to discuss the future of the two senior players could take place during the ongoing series, either in Raipur or Visakhapatnam.
The tension isn’t limited to Gambhir alone. During the Australia ODIs, Rohit and chief selector Ajit Agarkar barely communicated, despite the series marking the comeback of both senior batters after months. Meanwhile, Kohli and Gambhir have spoken very little during the South Africa series, contradicting the warm public moments they shared earlier in Gambhir’s coaching tenure.
Adding to the strain, the BCCI is reportedly displeased with the aggressive online criticism of Gambhir from sections of Rohit and Kohli fans, fearing it may further deepen internal cracks.
Despite the friction, both Kohli and Rohit continue to deliver match-defining performances. But the question now is whether India can maintain on-field unity amid off-field discord a challenge that may define the remainder of their ODI roadmap.
