Tension in Team India: Gautam Gambhir’s rocky rapport with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma raises concern for BCCI

Recent reports suggest that the relationship between India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has grown increasingly strained — a situation that is reportedly worrying the BCCI. 

🔺 The Growing Rift: What’s Changed

• According to a report by Dainik Jagran, the dynamic between Gambhir and the two veterans is not what it was when he first took over as India head coach.
• The report points out that with uncertainty over Kohli’s and Rohit’s future in the team, and persistent speculation around their standing under Gambhir’s regime, the dressing-room atmosphere has become uncomfortable.
• The fissures were especially noticeable during the recent Australia series and the subsequent return of Kohli and Rohit for the ODIs — there was reportedly minimal interaction between Gambhir and the senior players. 

One sensational claim from social-media footage circulated during that period even implied that Kohli “completely ignored” Gambhir after an Indian win, fueling rumours of deeper discord. 

🎙 Gambhir's Denial and Mixed Signals

Gambhir has publicly dismissed claims of a rift with Rohit Sharma, calling such speculation baseless and a byproduct of social-media hype. He emphasized mutual respect and professionalism, pointing out that under their joint leadership, the team recently won a major trophy (the 2025 Champions Trophy). 

He earlier adopted a tactful tone regarding his relationship with Kohli too — saying that while they may have had their on-field clashes in the past (for example in the IPL), off the field the two share “a good relationship”. He added that these private bonds don’t need to be displayed publicly to be valid. 

Despite these statements, some recent actions have stoked suspicion: for instance, during Rohit’s felicitation at a ceremony, he conspicuously omitted any mention of Gambhir — even though Gambhir was the official India coach when the trophy was won. 

⚠ Why BCCI Is Worried

• The emerging coldness between Gambhir and senior players may be affecting team morale and dressing-room cohesion — an issue particularly concerning ahead of major series.
• Behind the scenes, there’s talk within the BCCI about possibly calling a meeting — maybe during upcoming matches — to review the futures of Kohli and Rohit under Gambhir’s coaching.
• The situation becomes more delicate given that both Kohli and Rohit still carry significant influence and fan support; any continued friction risks destabilising the delicate balance of team unity.

🧩 What This Means for Team India

• If tensions persist, it could impact how senior players — especially Kohli and Rohit — perform or even influence selection for big tournaments.
• The BCCI may need to step in to mediate, especially with speculation of formal meetings to address “futures” — which could lead to hard decisions about roles and team composition.
• At a time when consistency and unity matter, such divisions could hamper India’s preparation, particularly as they aim to balance experienced stars and emerging talent across formats.

📰 Broader Context: Recent Performance and Backlash

Tensions come at a time when India’s performance in red-ball cricket has come under heavy scrutiny. The team was whitewashed 2–0 by South Africa at home in a Test series — their biggest home defeat in decades — putting further pressure on Gambhir and the management. 

Following that defeat, there have been public outcries — some calling for fresh thinking or even a specialist red-ball coach — while others defend Gambhir, arguing that the problems run deeper than just the coach. 

That backdrop makes the reported discord with Kohli and Rohit even more perilous for both team dynamics and Indian cricket’s future.