Is there a rift between Virat Kohli and Gambhir? BCCI secretary puts end to rumours
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dispels rumours of discord between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir in the dressing room. Several reports in the media have claimed that the duo is not in a good relationship with each other in recent times.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia has shed light on the relationship between star India batter Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir. Over the past few months, several reports have claimed that Gambhir and Kohli do not share cordial relations, with suggestions that the team management is keen on replacing the senior batter with a younger player while keeping the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.
However, Devajit Saikia brushed aside concerns about differences between the two influential figures, stating that the duo share a harmonious relationship.
“I have never seen them fighting. They’re in a very good, cordial relationship, because I’m with them when they’re representing the country,” said Saikia while speaking on the India Today podcast.
In recent months, the Indian team management has appeared determined to usher in a transition phase in the ODI setup, appointing Shubman Gill as the new captain of the side and replacing Rohit Sharma ahead of the Australia tour. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar also stated during a press conference that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were non-committal about featuring in the next ODI World Cup.
Despite the speculation, the veteran duo demonstrated their willingness to evolve and improve their game by recently featuring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26. Those outings proved highly beneficial, as both batters were seen in rich form during the subsequent ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand.
How has Kohli performed in recent months?
Saikia also addressed rumours surrounding the BCCI and the team management allegedly attempting to push Virat Kohli out of the national setup. The BCCI secretary asserted that no authority could compel a player of Kohli’s stature to make decisions regarding his career.
“Nobody can force a player of the stature of Virat Kohli to change or take a decision,” he added.
Kohli has been in sublime form over the past few months, scoring 616 runs in his last seven ODI innings. He boasts a phenomenal average of 123.2 and an impressive strike rate of 108.64, with three centuries and an equal number of fifties to his name. The former India captain will next be seen in action when India tour England for an ODI series in July 2026.