Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed speculation surrounding the relationship between star batter Virat Kohli and India head coach Gautam Gambhir, insisting that the two share a cordial and respectful bond.
In recent months, several reports have suggested that Kohli and Gambhir do not see eye to eye, with claims also emerging that the team management is considering moving on from the senior batter as part of a long-term transition plan leading into the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, Saikia firmly denied any such rift.
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“I have never seen them fighting. They are in a very good, cordial relationship,” Saikia said while speaking on the India Today podcast. “I am with them when they are representing the country.”
India’s ODI setup has undergone notable changes lately, with the management appearing keen on ushering in a new phase. Shubman Gill was appointed captain, replacing Rohit Sharma ahead of the Australia tour, while chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that both Rohit and Kohli were non-committal about featuring in the next ODI World Cup.
Despite the uncertainty, both veterans underlined their intent to adapt by featuring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26. The domestic stint paid rich dividends, with Rohit and Kohli returning to strong form in the subsequent ODI series against South Africa and New Zealand.
Saikia also addressed rumours suggesting that the BCCI or team management were attempting to push Kohli out of the national setup, calling such claims baseless.
“Nobody can force a player of the stature of Virat Kohli to change or take a decision,” he said.
Kohli has enjoyed a prolific run in recent months, amassing 616 runs across his last seven ODI innings. He averages an outstanding 123.2 and strikes at 108.64, with three centuries and three half-centuries to his name. The former India captain is next set to feature in India’s ODI tour of England in July 2026.
