Hypothesis across the equation between India head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior batter Virat Kohli has refused to die down ever since Gambhir took cost of the nationwide facet. Their well-documented on-field run-ins in the course of the Indian Premier League have continued to gasoline chatter throughout the cricketing group, with ideas that the 2 are nonetheless not completely on the identical web page. These claims, nonetheless, have now been firmly dismissed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who rubbished studies of any ongoing pressure between the 2 high-profile figures.
“I’ve by no means seen them (Kohli and Gambhir) combating. They’re in an excellent cordial relationship,” Saikia mentioned whereas talking on the India At the moment podcast. Referring to their IPL historical past, Saikia added, “IPL? Perhaps I didn’t see that match as a result of I used to be with them after they had been representing the nation.” Gambhir’s tenure as head coach has coincided with important phases in Kohli’s profession. The previous India captain introduced his retirement from Take a look at cricket in 2025, a choice that sparked widespread debate. Extra lately, Kohli’s place in India’s ODI plans for the 2027 World Cup has additionally been scrutinised, although a lot of that dialogue has eased as a consequence of his excellent run of type. At 37, Kohli is having fun with what many consider to be one of many richest purple patches of his ODI profession, having struck three centuries and a rating of 93 in his final six appearances for India. Questions across the Gambhir-Kohli relationship have additionally been linked to the BCCI’s harder stance on senior gamers that includes in home competitions when not on worldwide obligation. Over the previous yr, Kohli returned to each the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy after lengthy absences. Regardless of persistent rumours of friction, Gambhir and Kohli have already mixed efficiently on the highest stage, taking part in key roles in India’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2025, an ICC title that underlined unity fairly than discord throughout the setup.
