Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir rift? The Indian batsman broke the silence

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has silenced rumors of a rift between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, saying the two men are on speaking terms and there are no issues in their working relationship. Kotak also added that he doesn’t understand where the rumors even came from.

Ever since Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket last year, there has been much speculation surrounding his equation with head coach Gambhir. Further fuel was added to the fire when Kohli and Gambhir were not seen interacting with each other during practice sessions on the eve of the first ODI between India and England at Edgbaston.

While Kohli was training ahead of the series opener, Gambhir was seen observing things from close quarters but did not approach the star batsman for a chat. It was Kotak who was seen talking to Kohli.

During the post-match press conference after the second ODI in Cardiff, Kotak dismissed the noise surrounding the two men and said they had chatted at least 10 times during the match.

“Virate and Gautam, they must have spoken to each other ten times today. I don’t think they need a bridge,” Kotak told reporters.

The India batsman also said that Kohli should not be disturbed when he is in rhythm and in the middle.

“And Virat basically talked about certain things before batting. Because, Virat, I honestly say, as a batting coach, until he feels something or sees nothing, his batting shouldn’t be disturbed. And we shouldn’t say too much about how he bats.”

“But mainly, how is his footwork? Certain things, he was already asking me. And then, on the networks, he was talking. Other than what you say, I don’t know where the rumors are coming from, but they are coming,” Kotak said.

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Published on:

Jul 17, 2026 07:34 IST