Virat Kohli’s return to international cricket has once again been hampered by rumours of a rift between the former Indian skipper and the head coach, Gautam Gambhir. In the past, the two cricketers from Delhi have locked horns multiple times in the Indian Premier League. However, since joining forces at the international level, there have not been any clear signs of a possible rift between the two.
Fans and media have portrayed the two as taking shots at each other, most prominently with Gambhir reiterating the importance of the team’s success over personal milestones. Moreover, ahead of India’s first ODI of the series against England, there have been reports of the two not speaking to each other.
Virat Kohli vs Gautam Gambhir: Rift between the two?
Reports have emerged that a rift is emerging between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. The two cricketers from Delhi reportedly did not talk to each other in one of the net sessions before the first ODI match of the series. While these reports remained unverified, such rumours have been doing the rounds ever since Gambhir was appointed the head coach in 2024. Even though Kohli had retired from T20Is before Gambhir became the coach, he bid farewell to test cricket under the latter’s coaching tenure in 2025.
Meanwhile, the 44-year-old head coach has consistently talked about how he values the success of the team more than personal milestones. In the past, Virat has been criticised by fans and even professionals of the game for chasing milestones.
Has Gautam Gambhir found Virat Kohli’s replacement in ODIs?
With the ODI World Cup approaching next year, the target for Gambhir and his coaching staff would be to win the trophy, as he reportedly seeks an extension of a year to target the LA Olympics 2028 and the T20 World Cup in 2028. Kohli, along with another senior pro, Rohit Sharma, have been under the scanner for their age and performances in the format. In the recent series against Afghanistan, which Kohli missed due to a hamstring injury, the Indian team played Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill and even Shreyas Iyer at number three.
While the move was made possibly to provide the players some time in the middle, fans argued it was a tactic to put the former India and RCB skipper under pressure for his spot.
India vs England: Will Virat Kohli play in 1st ODI?
Virat Kohli is expected to make a stellar return to international cricket in the first ODI between England and India. The right-handed batter, who last featured for the Men in Blue in January this year, was in staggering form once again during the 19th season of the Indian Premier League. Kohli played a crucial role as Rajat Patidar-led RCB won their second title in a row.
IND vs ENG 1st ODI: India Predicted Playing XI
India national cricket team predicted playing XI: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah
