The return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the Indian team for the first ODI against Australia seemed to boost the team's morale. However, behind the scenes, tensions were simmering in the dressing room. Sources close to the team have revealed that the relationship between Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and the two senior players has been strained, raising concerns about the team's internal dynamics.
The unease between Gambhir, Kohli, and Rohit began after the two batsmen announced their retirement from Test cricket. The tension escalated during the Australia ODI series, with reports suggesting that Rohit and Selection Committee Chairman Ajit Agarkar had a frosty relationship. The issue even spilled over into the public domain, with a heated exchange on social media.
Meanwhile, Kohli's poor form in the first two ODIs, including a duck, gave way to a spirited comeback in the third match, where he was accompanied by Rohit's century. However, sources indicate that the communication between Kohli and Gambhir has been limited since the first ODI against South Africa, with the two barely interacting with each other.
The simmering tensions between the players and the coach have been further exacerbated by the harsh criticism of Gambhir on social media by Kohli and Rohit's fans. The BCCI has taken note of the growing unease and is likely to hold a special meeting in Raipur or Visakhapatnam to address the issue.
A BCCI representative acknowledged that the current situation is a major concern for the board. "We're trying to resolve the issue, but it's becoming a major headache," they said. The question on everyone's mind is whether the tensions between Kohli, Rohit, and Gambhir are real or just a product of social media speculation. The answer will likely become clear in the coming matches.
One thing is certain, however: the internal conflict within the Indian team, if left unchecked, could have a significant impact on the team's performance in upcoming ICC tournaments.
