Crack? What tear? Virat Kohli and Gambhir share a laugh in a viral photo in London

The grand, historic halls of the Indian High Commission at Aldwych have seen their fair share of diplomatic breakthroughs over the decades. But on Saturday night, the establishment played host to a different kind of diplomacy – one that India’s cricket faithful had been desperately praying for.

Ahead of the crucial third ODI against England at Lord’s, cameras caught a moment that quickly went viral on social media. Seated next to each other, Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir shared a hearty laugh during the reception, offering a very different picture from the one social media has painted over the past few weeks.

Speculations of a rift between them intensified during the tour of England. Fans took apart the visuals of the training ground and pointed to the apparent lack of conversation between Kohli and Gambhir during the net sessions as evidence that all was not well in the Indian camp.

However, scenes from the High Commission reception told a different story. They also came just days after India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak denied these rumours after the second ODI in Cardiff. Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, Guatam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the High Commission in London (Courtesy: BCCI/X)

Any lingering doubts about their equation were further eased on Sunday morning at Lord’s. Before the toss, Kohli and Gambhir were seen standing together near the boundary ropes and engaged in what appeared to be a lengthy discussion as India prepared to decide the series. Screengrab by JioHotstar

Speaking to the media, Kotak laughed off suggestions that members of the support staff had to act as intermediaries between Kohli and Gambhir.

“Virate and Gautam, they must have spoken ten times today. I don’t think he needs a bridge,” Kotak said.

“I don’t know where the rumors are coming from, but they are coming.

Kotak added that Kohli’s interactions with the coaching staff were more routine discussions on batting, footwork and adapting to the conditions rather than anything out of the ordinary.

With the ODI World Cup less than a year away, a healthy relationship between the head coach and one of India’s most experienced batsmen remains important. Kohli continues to be a central figure in India’s plans, while Gambhir shapes the team’s approach ahead of the global tournament.

Between Kotak’s clarification, the viral pictures from the High Commission and the talks at Lord’s, the message from the Indian camp has been consistent.

The speculation surrounding the rift seems to have been exaggerated. As India move towards the challenges ahead, Kohli and Gambhir seem focused on the task at hand.

– The end

Issued by:

Akshay Ramesh

Published on:

19 Jul 2026 16:12 IST