India Coach Rubbishes Rumours of Rift Between Gambhir and Ro-Ko

Rajkot: Indian cricket is riding high on recent successes, but whispers of discord within the team have threatened to overshadow the positive atmosphere. Specifically, rumors have circulated regarding a potential rift between head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, these speculations have been firmly dismissed by the team's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak.

Kotak addressed the media on Tuesday, ahead of the second ODI between India and New Zealand in Rajkot, stating categorically that there is no lack of communication or harmony between Gambhir, Sharma, and Kohli. He emphasized that the trio regularly share ideas and engage in discussions regarding the team's strategy and future plans.

"They discuss with Gautam (Gambhir) about the ODI format, about the matches we have, and about our plans going (ahead) to South Africa (World Cup in 2027). Most of the time I'm there, and whenever I'm listening, they definitely share their experience. I always see them talking," Kotak stated, as quoted by The Indian Express.

Speculation about a rift initially arose after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepped down from Test cricket. Further fuel was added when Shubman Gill was appointed as India's ODI captain, replacing Rohit. Some reports even suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had convened meetings during the South Africa series to address perceived communication gaps between senior players and selectors.

Kotak, however, has refuted these claims, asserting that the team management and senior players are completely aligned. He attributed the rumors to social media gossip, which he actively avoids. "Obviously, on social media, you see a lot of things, which I try to avoid seeing," he noted.

Furthermore, Kotak highlighted the professionalism and experience of Sharma and Kohli, emphasizing their commitment to the team's success. "They are thorough professionals. So I don't think they need to be saying they need to do this or that. In fact, the amount of experience they have, they can share a lot of ideas with other players and they do discuss," he added.

Kotak also revealed that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have had detailed conversations with Gautam Gambhir regarding their future plans. While the team management has refrained from making any public statements on the matter, the selection committee is also proceeding cautiously.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding their long-term roles, both Sharma and Kohli have been in exceptional form. Since the South Africa series, Kohli has scored two centuries and three fifties, while Rohit has been in sublime touch since the Australia series, registering three half-centuries and a century.

Gautam Gambhir himself addressed the rumors of a rift back in May 2025, dismissing them as baseless and driven by a thirst for attention and viewership. Speaking at the ABP India At 2047 Summit, Gambhir criticized those spreading misinformation for TRP gains, emphasizing his deep respect for Rohit Sharma and his contributions to Indian cricket. He also pointed to India's Champions Trophy victory just two months prior, highlighting the successful partnership between coach and captain.

With consistent statements from key figures within the team, the narrative of a rift between Gambhir, Sharma, and Kohli appears to be unfounded. The focus remains on the team's performance on the field, with all involved working together towards the common goal of success for Indian cricket.