Speculation about the relationship between Virat Kohli and Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has been circulating for months. The rumors grew louder after Kohli's retirement from Test cricket, with their limited public interactions during training sessions and matches fueling talk of a rift.
Ahead of the first ODI against England at Edgbaston, reports even claimed the two barely spoke during practice, adding to the debate over the dressing-room atmosphere.
Gautam Gambhir Breaks Silence on Kohli Relationship
Gautam Gambhir has now finally responded to the ongoing speculation. During his first press conference as Team India head coach, Gambhir addressed the rumors directly.
According to reports from his press conference, Gambhir said: "Good for the TRP, but my relationship is not public."
Reports of Cold War in India Camp
Multiple reports have suggested that Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir avoid interacting during India's training sessions. According to The Times of India, the two avoided interaction during a practice session ahead of the first ODI against England.
Reports from Yahoo Sports stated that Gambhir was seen speaking with other players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul, but there was no direct conversation between him and Kohli.
"Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir were not seen interacting during India's practice session. Gambhir was spotted speaking with Rohit Sharma and other players." — Instagram reports
Our Take: The TRP Game in Indian Cricket
Gambhir's response is telling. By calling the rumors "good for TRP," he is essentially dismissing the speculation as media hype. But his refusal to clarify the relationship publicly leaves room for continued speculation.
In our view, this is a smart move from Gambhir. He is not feeding the rumor mill, but he is also not confirming or denying anything. The message is clear: what happens between the coach and a player is not for public consumption.
However, the repeated reports of no interaction between Kohli and Gambhir during practice sessions are hard to ignore. Whether it is a professional relationship that simply does not extend beyond work, or something more, only the two men know. For now, Gambhir has made it clear that the public will not get that answer.
