Tensions between Virat Kohli and coach Gautam Gambhir have escalated, causing significant concern within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The long-standing rivalry, which dates back to their clashes in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Gambhir’s outspoken commentary, has resurfaced with aggressive social media abuse targeting Gambhir, raising fears of unrest within the team.

A History of Friction Deepens

The narrative of Kohli versus Gambhir continues to dominate discussions around Indian cricket. Despite the rivalry being well-known, the current episode has taken a darker turn with Gambhir reportedly facing highly personal and intense online hate, a development that worries BCCI officials as the team undergoes a critical transitional period.

Strained Relationships Affecting Team Dynamics

Reports indicate that the relationship between Gambhir and the senior duo of Kohli and Rohit Sharma

, especially within the One Day International (ODI) setup, has become “borderline cold,” fostering an uneasy atmosphere in the dressing room. This tension became apparent after the unexpected retirements of senior players from Test cricket and the observed limited interaction between Gambhir and Kohli during recent matches.

Despite this, Gambhir has consistently expressed professional respect towards the veterans, praising Kohli publicly even after his Test retirement. His focus remains on the success of the team over individual interests.

The Real Loser: Indian Cricket

The ongoing public focus on the discord does more harm than good. While Gambhir holds a vision for the team’s future, Kohli and Sharma are unlikely to step aside anytime soon, given their current form and importance, particularly with major tournaments like the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon.

The dramatized rivalry and internal discord risk harming team unity, distracting from the game at a crucial time. The unanimous loser in this conflict is Indian cricket itself. For the sport’s sake, it is paramount to curb this damaging narrative before it causes irreversible damage to the cricketing setup.