Kohli and Rohit Reportedly Not on Talking Terms With India Head Coach

Reports suggest that relations between India’s star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not on talking terms with head coach Gautam Gambhir, causing a tense atmosphere within the ODI squad.

Sources indicate that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is concerned about the deteriorating dressing room environment and may convene a meeting to address the situation.

According to multiple reports, Kohli and Rohit reportedly requested separate practice sessions, but Gambhir denied their proposal, further straining relations.

While the BCCI has been planning discussions about India’s struggles in Test cricket at home after the white-ball season, the focus may now shift toward the ongoing ODI squad dynamics.

Indian media reports that Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar could be summoned after the ODI series against South Africa to review the roadmap for Kohli and Rohit, who are now solely participating in 50-over cricket following their retirements from Tests and T20Is.

Interestingly, as per Abhishek Tripathi of Dainik Jagran, the board may delay a performance review of Test cricket until after the T20I series against South Africa, which concludes on December 19. Instead, the immediate concern appears to be the ODI dressing room, which sources describe as tense, contrasting with the reportedly positive environment during Tests and T20Is.

The BCCI may hold a meeting regarding Kohli and Rohit’s ODI future soon, possibly after the second ODI in Raipur or the final match in Vishakhapatnam.

The discord reportedly extends beyond practice sessions. During India’s ODI series in Australia last month, Rohit and chief selector Agarkar were allegedly not seen engaging in conversation, while Kohli and Gambhir are reportedly not on speaking terms.

The BCCI is also said to be unhappy with social media backlash from Rohit and Kohli fans targeting coach Gambhir.