Gautam Gambhir’s strained relationship with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has sparked concern within the BCCI. (Image Credit: AFP)
The Indian dressing room, normally so sure and stable under long-serving senior leadership, is said to be going through an uneasy phase. The head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has reportedly grown cold towards senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, which has led to murmurs within the board and among team insiders.
When Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid, many expected his direct, intent-driven coaching style would resonate with the team's veterans. The bonding initially appeared promising but has gradually become uneasy, with conversations between the three becoming limited. The development has put the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an uncomfortable position, with talks of a possible meeting with the senior players during the ongoing ODI series.
A major flashpoint was the surprise retirement of both Kohli and Rohit from Test cricket earlier this year. The timing reportedly came as a shock to the management, and differences began to emerge soon after that.
Additionally, Gambhir's strict approach and post-series criticism after the Australia ODI series, which India lost despite flashes of individual brilliance, have not gone down well with the seniors. His statements regarding not celebrating defeats and how much tougher mentally the side needs to be were seen by many as indirect messages aimed at the seniors.
Things have been further complicated by the fact that Gambhir has come under sustained online criticism from fan groups backing Kohli and Rohit. The BCCI is said to be displeased by the way the narrative has spiralled on social media, placing external pressure on an already delicate internal dynamic.
India's 17-run victory over South Africa in the 1st ODI yesterday provided a much-needed temporary boost to the team atmosphere. India first posted a strong total of 349/8 and then defended the same in the final overs.
Virat Kohli, who had suffered a torrid time earlier this season, made a brilliant hundred to remind one and all why he remains India's most consistent ODI batter. Rohit Sharma was also fluent at the top, making crucial runs and setting the tone up front.
But even in victory, it is reported that communication between Gambhir and the senior players remained at a bare minimum. There were no visible moments of camaraderie, and the body language between the coach and the senior duo reportedly looked stiff.
