BCCI Denies Claims of Tension Between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir

The relationship between India head coach Gautam Gambhir and former captain Virat Kohli has long been a subject of intense debate. Their on-field run-ins during the Indian Premier League (IPL) fuelled speculation about how the two would coexist after Gambhir was appointed head coach of the men’s senior team.

While things appeared smooth initially, questions resurfaced following India’s poor Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign, after which Kohli retired from Test cricket and chose to continue only in ODIs.

In recent months, the debate has intensified again, with the two not seen interacting during net sessions. After the first ODI against New Zealand, Kohli was also spotted seemingly walking past Gambhir inside the dressing room without acknowledging him, further stoking rumours of friction.

Amid the speculation, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the issue, firmly denying any rift between the two.

“I have never seen them fighting. They are in a very good, cordial relationship,” Saikia said on the India Today Podcast.

When the anchor pointed out their widely publicised confrontation during IPL 2023, Saikia downplayed the incident.
“I haven’t seen it. IPL? Maybe I didn’t watch that match because I was with them when they were representing the country. Watching every IPL match is not possible,” he said.

Responding to claims that Gambhir wanted Kohli out of the team, Saikia dismissed the notion outright.

“That perception might be there, but Virat Kohli is always in the team. Gautam Gambhir is also there. We see the results. Have you ever seen Virat Kohli not being part of the team?” he said.

‘Nobody Can Force Kohli’

Saikia also rejected suggestions that Kohli was pressured into retiring from Test cricket, stressing that a player of his stature makes decisions independently.

“Nobody can force a player of the stature of Virat Kohli to make a decision. He is a legend of Indian cricket. The board will not interfere in any player’s career unless the player chooses it,” Saikia said.

Following the Test retirements of Kohli and Rohit Sharma, speculation also swirled around their ODI futures, with reports claiming the senior batters might retire after last year’s Australia series. However, both responded with strong performances, silencing critics.

“A lot of people write rubbish. We cannot comment on rubbish. These things were never discussed in any meeting,” Saikia said when asked about reports suggesting Gambhir did not want Kohli or Rohit in the ODI setup.