New Delhi / Ranchi: A simmering rift between India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and veteran batter Virat Kohli has once again resurfaced in public eye, raising alarm bells within BCCI. After India’s recent win over South Africa, insiders tell NDTV that tensions are “escalating fast,” and the fallout could harm Indian cricket more than any individual.
🔎 What’s the Issue: Old Wounds, New Pressure
According to the report, the discord has roots stretching back to earlier clashes — once teammates in the same dressing room, Gambhir and Kohli now reportedly have “irreconcilable differences.” The current ODI series has intensifed the standoff, with media leaks suggesting harsh exchanges and “aggressive social-media abuse,” putting pressure on the board.
A BCCI insider told media: “If this continues, there will be only one loser — and that’s Indian cricket.” The worry is not just about internal morale, but about on-field performance and team cohesion going forward.
📰 Recent Trigger: Ranchi Victory, Raw Emotions
The dispute re-emerged just after India’s hard-fought win in the first ODI at Ranchi, where Kohli scored a match-winning innings. While celebrations were underway, sources say a “heated hotel-lobby chat” between Gambhir and senior players left teammates and staff visibly anxious.
Though public statements remain neutral, the undercurrents are clear — multiple senior players reportedly feel uneasy about the coach–player dynamic. One unnamed member said, “We came here to play cricket, not watch a soap opera.”
⚠️ Why This Matters: Bigger Than Ego
- Team morale: Rumours of locker-room divisions may affect unity.
- Selection pressure: With major ICC events on horizon, off-field conflicts can derail on-field performance.
- Public confidence: Fans expect harmony and clear leadership; internal fights risk trust erosion.
A former cricketer turned commentator warned: “This isn’t about who’s right or wrong. It’s about protecting the sanctity of Indian cricket — and right now, that looks shaky.”
