Ace Indian batter Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir were seen sharing a laugh during the team’s visit to the Indian High Commission in London, amidst rumours that the duo is not on talking terms.
Speculation over a rift between Kohli and Gambhir intensified during the England tour, with fans poring over training footage and citing the apparent lack of interaction between the two during net sessions as evidence of tensions within the Indian camp.
The scenes at the Indian High Commission reception, however, painted a very different picture. They also came just days after India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, dismissed the rumours after the second ODI in Cardiff.
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 19, 2026
Any lingering doubts over
their relationship were further dispelled on Sunday morning at Lord’s. Ahead of the toss, Kohli and Gambhir were spotted deep in conversation near the boundary ropes, sharing what appeared to be a lengthy discussion as India geared up for the series decider.
Gautam Gambhir having a chat with Virat Kohli. pic.twitter.com/8prSJGc2Zu
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 19, 2026
“Virat and Gautam, they must have talked 10 times today. I don’t think he needs a bridge. I don’t know where the rumours come from, but they do come,” Kotak said while speaking at the post-match press conference.
With the ODI World Cup less than a year away, a strong working relationship between the head coach and one of India’s senior-most batters is crucial. Kohli remains a key pillar of India’s plans, while Gambhir continues to shape the team’s roadmap ahead of the marquee event.
The speculation over a rift now appears to have been overblown. With India turning its focus to the challenges ahead, Kohli and Gambhir seem aligned, working together towards the team’s goals.
Rumours around Kohli and Gambhir’s relationship haven’t stopped flowing in ever since the latter was hired in 2024.
