India head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior batter Virat Kohli have once again found themselves at the centre of speculation after videos and images from India’s training session ahead of the first ODI against England went viral on social media.
Some fans claimed the pair were not interacting during practice, reviving rumours of a strained relationship between the two.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that Gambhir and Kohli are currently not on talking terms.
Why did the Virat Kohli Gautam Gambhir rift rumours start?
The speculation emerged after India’s pre-match training session, where Gambhir was seen speaking with players including Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul.
Meanwhile, Kohli spent a lengthy period working separately with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak in the nets, leading some social media users to question why the head coach and the former captain were not seen conversing.
The absence of publicly captured interactions has since fuelled online rumours.
Is there any evidence of a rift?
No.
Neither Gambhir, Kohli nor the BCCI has made any statement indicating a disagreement between the two.
While Gambhir and Kohli have had well-documented on-field confrontations during the IPL in previous years, they have repeatedly stated that those incidents are in the past.
More importantly, the two worked together during India’s successful ICC Champions Trophy campaign, with Gambhir serving as head coach and Kohli playing a key role in the title-winning run.
BCCI officials have also previously dismissed speculation of dressing-room tensions, maintaining that the team’s focus remains on cricket rather than off-field narratives.
Could they simply have had different training schedules?
That is the most likely explanation based on the available information.
Training sessions are typically divided into different groups, with players often spending extended periods working with specialist coaches depending on their preparation needs.
Kohli’s prolonged batting session alongside batting coach Sitanshu Kotak does not, by itself, indicate any issue with Gambhir.
Without further evidence or comments from those involved, it is not possible to conclude that there is any disagreement between the pair.
Claims that Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli are “not on talking terms” are not supported by any verified evidence.
The rumours are based solely on observations that the two were not seen interacting during one training session before the first ODI against England.
Neither the BCCI nor either individual has confirmed any rift, and there is no factual basis at present to suggest that their professional relationship has broken down. Until credible evidence emerges, the claims remain speculative rather than factual.