Indian Cricket At Risk: How Gambhir and Kohli’s Falling Out Threatens Team Unity and Success

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The tensions between Virat Kohli and the head coach of Team India, Gautam Gambhir, have escalated immensely in the past couple of weeks. This has left the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in deep concern. It is reported that some fans captured a controversial incident involving Gambhir and Kohli on 30 November 2025, sparking a debate on social media platforms. The incident showed Virat Kohli snubbing the head coach after India’s first ODI against South Africa.

The Deepening Divide: Strained Coach-Player Relations


The rift between the star batter Virat Kohli and the head coach Gautam Gambhir continues to gain public attention. This widely publicised friction between the two Delhi players is certainly not something new. Reports suggest this current conflict is escalating tensions both on and off the field. The relationship between Gambhir and senior players, particularly Kohli and Rohit Sharma, is now reportedly "borderline cold."

This alleged strain is primarily within the One-Day International squad setup. It has created an uneasy and unproductive atmosphere inside the Indian dressing room. Observers noted a worrying silence and very limited interaction between the two cricketers recently. This came to the surface after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s unexpected retirements from Test cricket.

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Even though Gautam Gambhir is seen as an antagonist by some people, he has always shown professional respect for these players publicly. His end goal appears to be the collective success of Indian cricket over individual players.

Aggressive Online Abuse and BCCI's Growing Concern


The latest round of this Gambhir vs Kohli bout has taken a significantly darker turn as the India head coach is reportedly receiving aggressive and highly personal hate and abuse from some fans online. Reports suggest the BCCI is deeply worried about the excessive trolling and disrespect shown towards a sitting head coach. This concern is especially serious while the team is navigating a challenging transition phase.

Fans of the star players are reportedly attacking Gambhir on social media, which has upset the BCCI. The constant chatter and manufactured drama around the Kohli vs Gambhir subject will ultimately harm Indian cricket. The intense public scrutiny, coupled with potential internal discord, is a major distraction. This damaging narrative must be stopped from spreading.

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