NEW DELHI(The COW News Digital) Reports of strained relations between veteran Indian batsman Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir are gaining traction as viral videos from the team’s airport waiting area suggest growing friction within the squad. Observers say the situation could impact team dynamics ahead of upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series and the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
The latest video, filmed at Raipur Airport prior to India’s second ODI against South Africa, shows Kohli seated apart from Gambhir, engaged in a serious discussion with team selector Pragyan Ojha. Social media users quickly circulated the footage, interpreting it as evidence of deteriorating relations between the head coach and the former India captain.
Read More:
- Trump Threatens Kabul Over Bagram Airbase Control
- Taliban Extend Internet Curbs, Trade Faces Major Hit
- Late-Night Dinners Linked to Higher Blood Sugar Risk
Some clips also show Rohit Sharma interacting closely with Ojha, sharing light moments and handshakes, while Gambhir appears at a distance, reinforcing perceptions of division within the team. These incidents have sparked discussions among fans and cricket analysts about the internal atmosphere in the Indian ODI squad.
Speculation is particularly focused on Kohli’s future in the team, with debates ongoing regarding his inclusion in the ODI setup and his role in India’s 50-over World Cup campaign in 2027. Analysts note that any visible tension between a senior player and the head coach could influence team morale and performance in key fixtures.
While Kohli remains a pivotal figure in Indian cricket, reports suggest that communication gaps and differing perspectives on strategy may have contributed to the alleged friction. Gambhir, who took over as head coach recently, has been trying to implement new coaching philosophies, which some insiders believe have led to subtle conflicts with senior players accustomed to previous management styles.
Selectors and team management have not publicly commented on the videos, and Kohli has also refrained from addressing the situation directly. Experts suggest that private discussions and mediation between senior officials and players may be ongoing to ensure that internal matters do not affect on-field performance.
Despite the media attention, Kohli and other senior players are expected to focus on competitive commitments as the series against South Africa continues. Team management has emphasized the importance of unity and professionalism, highlighting that internal disagreements are a normal aspect of high-performance sports environments.
Cricket analysts will be closely watching upcoming matches to gauge whether these reports have any tangible effect on team dynamics, particularly in high-stakes games where cohesion and strategic alignment are critical.
