Team India Rift? Gautam Gambhir’s Uncertain Relationship With Virat and Rohit Raises BCCI Concerns
BCCI
Reports hint at strained relations between Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, leading BCCI to closely observe the team’s dynamics.
December 1, 2025 – Indian cricket finds itself at a critical crossroads as internal tensions are rumored to be rising within the national team ahead of the South Africa series. According to an NDTV report, the relationship between head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has turned noticeably cold, raising concerns within the BCCI. While the Indian squad prepares for crucial upcoming tournaments including the Champions Trophy 2025 and bilateral series with South Africa, whispers of a rift in the dressing room have begun circulating. Sources suggest that communication between Gambhir and the two senior players has sharply declined, leading to questions over strategic alignment and leadership control.
The speculation isn’t entirely new. During the IPL, on-field tension between Gambhir and Rohit Sharma gained attention, as did a past verbal confrontation between Gambhir and Virat Kohli from 2013 which resurfaced in media discussions. Cricket analysts believe that this may not necessarily be personal animosity — rather a “clash of cricketing mindsets.” Some sources from within the BCCI say that Gambhir’s aggressive coaching style and his anti-favoritism approach are not aligned with the comfort zone of certain senior players. A BCCI official reportedly said, “Gambhir pushes players out of their comfort zone. Some thrive under it, others take time to adapt. But harmony is essential before big tournaments.”
The biggest concern is not the personal relationship, but the possible impact on team spirit and cohesion. Harmony inside the dressing room is often considered a silent factor behind successful campaigns, as seen during India’s 2011 World Cup and 2023 Asia Cup victories. Any internal conflict just before major international tournaments can become a serious threat to performance. Former cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar have commented that the “Indian jersey is bigger than any individual ego,” emphasizing the importance of prioritizing national duty over personal disagreements. For now, the BCCI has reportedly decided to monitor the situation silently, without direct interference, but expectations are high that the upcoming matches will reveal the real equation within the team.
