Tensions in the Indian camp resurfaced during an intense nets session ahead of India’s second ODI against South Africa in Raipur. According to reports, after completing his batting practice under lights, Virat Kohli reportedly walked past head coach Gautam Gambhir with bats slung over his shoulders without greeting him.
The clip has since sparked fresh speculation about the relationship between Kohli and Gambhir, although some consider the moment to be another example of a growing rift, while others say that this may just reflect Kohli’s focus and intent ahead of the match.
What did Rohit Sharma do differently?
The cold shoulder, if that is what it was, from Kohli found a starkly contrasting reaction in Rohit Sharma. Immediately after Kohli left, Sharma is said to have paused and spoken briefly with Gambhir, a move viewed by many as diplomatic and respectful.
This contrasting behaviour, on the part of India’s two senior stars, has drawn attention to how Rohit’s approach may be aimed at preserving team harmony amidst swirling rumours. This is how an article describes Rohit’s gesture: “highlighted a fascinating dynamic within the Indian camp.”
Are rumours of a Kohli-Gambhir rift founded on more than just body language?
This is not the first time reports have questioned the Kohli-Gambhir equation. The moment in Raipur echoes earlier incidents — including one after the first ODI at Ranchi, where Kohli, after playing a match-winning knock, was spotted walking past Gambhir without any visible acknowledgement.
There have been some speculations in the media that Kohli, along with Rohit, may be silently rebelling against the coaching arrangement of late, particularly since both are looking to extend their ODI careers into the 2027 World Cup cycle.
Not everyone, however, buys into the “rift” narrative. A fact-check published recently carried photos from the same day of Gambhir hugging Kohli inside the dressing room to suggest that the viral video may only tell half the story.
Will this off-field drama affect India’s performance against South Africa?
For all the speculation and all the theatre outside, none of it seemed to bother Kohli or Rohit within the nets. Accounts of him have him sharp and aggressive, consistently middling throw-downs and unleashing big hits as Gambhir watched intently from between the nets.
The series currently stands at 1–0 in India’s favour after a win in Ranchi. The second ODI in Raipur offers an opportunity to seal the series, and team morale could well depend on whether the senior pros translate focus into performance, rather than letting off-field chatter get the better of them.
