The relationship between Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir and star batter Virat Kohli has once again become a topic of discussion among fans and cricket experts.
Recent reports claimed that the two former rivals were no longer communicating during the ongoing ODI series against England.
Speculation increased after the duo was seen maintaining distance during practice sessions at Edgbaston. However, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has now dismissed these rumours, stating that there is no issue between Kohli and Gambhir and that their communication remains completely normal.
‘Virat and Gambhir Spoke Many Times Today’
During the press conference after the second ODI in Cardiff, Sitanshu Kotak was asked about reports of a possible rift between Kohli and Gambhir.
Rejecting the claims, Kotak said that the two had spoken several times during the day and that there was no need for anyone to create a connection between them. He questioned how such rumours started and clarified that the atmosphere inside the Indian dressing room remains positive.
Kohli’s Communication With Gambhir During Cardiff ODI
Kotak also shared an example from the second ODI to highlight the coordination between the batter and the coach.
According to him, while Virat Kohli was batting, he communicated an important message to the dressing room and the coaching staff. Kohli explained that the Cardiff pitch was slightly slow and that short-pitched deliveries were not coming onto the bat as easily as expected.
The incident, according to Kotak, showed that communication between Kohli and Gambhir is functioning smoothly.
Kohli Shines Despite India’s Defeat
In the second ODI between India and England, India suffered a four-wicket defeat, bringing the series level at 1-1. However, Virat Kohli delivered a strong performance with the bat.
The former captain scored 65 runs off 66 balls, including eight boundaries. His presence at the crease kept India on course for a competitive total, but after his dismissal, the Indian innings lost momentum.