India may have begun the South Africa ODI series with a 17-run win in Ranchi, but behind the success lies a growing internal unease. Multiple credible reports suggest a widening communication gap between head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Viral videos, early-arrival practice disagreements, intense post-match conversations, and a history of silence during the Australia ODIs have raised serious concerns inside the BCCI.
As fans celebrate the return of “RO-KO” in top form, Indian cricket battles a silent friction that now threatens harmony inside the ODI dressing room and casts uncertainty on India’s long-term roadmap.
Key Takeaways on Rohit–Kohli vs Gambhir: The Growing Rift Inside India’s ODI Dressing Room
- Reports indicate a cold equation between Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli since their return to ODIs.
- Viral videos from Ranchi show tense Rohit–Gambhir conversations and an alleged Kohli–Gambhir snub.
- During Australia ODIs, Rohit and chief selector Ajit Agarkar reportedly did not speak.
- Kohli and Gambhir also had minimal communication across recent tours.
- BCCI is concerned about aggressive online trolling of Gambhir by some sections of fans.
- A high-level BCCI meeting in Raipur aims to address communication gaps and ODI planning.
- Despite tensions, both Rohit and Kohli are in exceptional ODI form in 2025.
A Dressing Room Victory Overshadowed by Silent Tension
India’s win in the first ODI at Ranchi should have lifted spirits. Virat Kohli’s sublime 135, Rohit Sharma’s fluent 57, and KL Rahul’s composed 60 powered India to 349 before sealing the match by 17 runs. But cameras inside the dressing room told a different story.
After the game, Rohit and head coach Gautam Gambhir were seen in a long, intense conversation. Their expressions were serious, offering no hint of celebration. Meanwhile, another viral clip appeared to show Kohli walking past Gambhir without a handshake or greeting, instantly sparking speculation about a larger issue in the camp.
Although a second video later showed Kohli giving Gambhir a brief side-hug, the contrasting visuals only deepened questions about the real mood inside the dressing room.
Where the Rift Began: Signs From the Australia ODIs
The Ranchi scenes were not isolated. Reports reveal that fractures had begun forming earlier during the ODI series in Australia.
That tour marked Rohit and Kohli’s comeback after the Champions Trophy.
Their performances were outstanding:
- Rohit struck 73 and 121*
- Kohli hit 74*
Yet, as per Dainik Jagran, Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar did not interact at all throughout the series. Between that tour and now, Kohli and Gambhir themselves reportedly shared very limited conversation, indicating that the coldness has been building for months.
Practice-Session Disagreement in Ranchi Adds Fuel
Senior sports journalists reported that Kohli and Rohit reached Ranchi ahead of the squad, intending to hold separate practice sessions to fine-tune preparations.
When this request reached Gambhir through support staff, the head coach reportedly said the players should speak to him directly if they wished to plan separate sessions.
If accurate, this moment triggered deeper discomfort and widened the communication gap between the senior duo and the coach.
Hotel Moments: What Happened After the Ranchi Win
After the Ranchi win, the team returned to their hotel for a celebratory cake-cutting. Reports claim that Virat Kohli did not attend the celebration, choosing to go straight to his room.
Meanwhile, Rohit and Gambhir were spotted in another prolonged discussion at the hotel lobby—once again with visibly serious expressions. These recurring incidents have only intensified speculation about a growing divide in the leadership group.
Kohli’s Cold Shoulder to Shukri Conrad Adds a New Dimension
Adding complexity, another viral video showed Kohli walking past South Africa coach Shukri Conrad without acknowledgement after the match.
Conrad had stirred controversy during the Test series with his “we wanted them to grovel” remark, which upset several figures in Indian cricket, including Aakash Chopra, Anil Kumble, and Parthiv Patel. Sunil Gavaskar even demanded an apology. Kohli’s apparent lack of greeting is now being interpreted as a deliberate response to that controversy.
BCCI Steps In: A Crucial Meeting Set in Raipur
With speculation mounting, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has called a meeting in Raipur ahead of the second ODI.
Expected attendees:
- Devajit Saikia (Secretary)
- Prabhtej Singh Bhatia (Joint Secretary)
- Ajit Agarkar (Selection Committee Chairman)
- Gautam Gambhir (Head Coach)
The meeting aims to:
- Address dressing-room communication gaps
- Align selectors and coaching staff
- Improve tactical clarity
- Review ODI plans for senior players
- Ensure stable leadership ahead of future ICC events
Senior players are unlikely to attend the meeting due to the match-day schedule.
Despite Tensions, Rohit and Kohli Are in Peak ODI Form
While the internal atmosphere appears strained, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have delivered exceptional numbers in 2025, proving their value remains unmatched.
Rohit Sharma in 2025:
- Matches: 12
- Runs: 561
- Average: 51
- Hundreds: 2
- Fifties: 3
- Best: 121*
Virat Kohli in 2025:
- Matches: 11
- Runs: 484
- Average: 53.77
- Hundreds: 2
- Fifties: 3
- Best: 135
Both are reportedly keen on securing long-term ODI roles, possibly eyeing the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Social Media Pressure: BCCI Unhappy With Fan Attacks on Gambhir
Another growing concern for the board is the social media environment. A section of fans has aggressively targeted Gambhir over the alleged rift, accusing him of influencing Rohit and Kohli’s retirements and destabilizing the team.
The BCCI is reportedly upset with the intensity and personal nature of trolling directed at the head coach, especially during a delicate transition period for Indian cricket.
A Critical Crossroads for Indian Cricket’s Future Direction
As the team moves from Ranchi to Raipur, India faces more than just an ODI series. The reported disconnect between Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir has emerged as one of the biggest internal challenges in recent years. With major ICC tournaments approaching, unity, clear communication and strong leadership are essential.
India’s senior players continue to produce world-class performances, but unresolved friction risks overshadowing their brilliance. How the BCCI navigates this moment—starting with the Raipur meeting—may define the future stability, morale, and success of Indian cricket in the ODI format.
FAQs on Rohit–Kohli vs Gambhir Rift in Team India
1. What triggered the reported rift between Rohit, Kohli and Gautam Gambhir?
Reports mention cold communication, practice-session disagreements, viral videos and tense dressing-room interactions during Australia and South Africa ODIs.
2. Did Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar really avoid speaking during the Australia ODIs?
Yes. Multiple credible reports claim Rohit and chief selector Ajit Agarkar did not interact at all during the Australia ODI series.
3. Why is BCCI concerned about the Gambhir–Rohit–Kohli situation?
BCCI is worried about communication gaps, tense ODI atmosphere and excessive social-media trolling of head coach Gambhir.
4. Did Virat Kohli ignore Gautam Gambhir and Shukri Conrad after the Ranchi ODI?
Viral videos show Kohli walking past both. Another clip, however, shows him side-hugging Gambhir, creating mixed interpretations.
5. Are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still part of India’s ODI World Cup plans?
A BCCI meeting is expected to decide clarity, but both remain in exceptional form and are eyeing the 2027 ODI World Cup.
