Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has stirred up a new round of debate within the cricketing fraternity after questioning those who decide the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. At a time when speculation about the pair’s relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar dominated the discussion, Harbhajan’s scathing remarks added a new dimension to the already tense narrative.
Speaking to PTI, Harbhajan offered a scathing critique of the environment surrounding India’s senior players, saying that decisions about their futures seem to be influenced by individuals who he feels have not achieved enough in their own careers. His comments are coming amid persistent rumors of a communication rift between Kohli, Rohit and Gambhir, along with reports that the BCCI may hold discussions with the team management to address the growing discomfort.
“It is beyond our understanding. I may not be able to answer because I was a player myself and what I saw happened to me. It happened to many of my teammates but it is very unfortunate. We don’t talk about it or discuss it,” Harbhajan told PTI, hinting at a pattern he believes has affected several prominent players over the years.
“It’s a bit unfortunate that people who haven’t achieved much are deciding their future,” he added, before highlighting the continued excellence of Kohli and Rohit. “They have always scored and they have always been great players for India. I am so happy for them, they are going very, very strong. Not only are they strong but they are an example for the younger generation to follow and what it means to be a champion.”
Harbhajan’s comments come again at a time when rumors of a troubled relationship between Kohli, Rohit and Gambhir continue to gain momentum. Reports indicate a widening communication gap and cooling ties – an unexpected development given Gambhir’s preference for direct, structured leadership and his emphasis on collective discipline.
Tensions have been heightened by India’s recent Test failures, which have brought the head coach under heavy criticism online. According to some reports, the persistent negativity has reached a level that has raised concerns in sections of the BCCI, further adding to the sense of instability around the setup.
Amidst the noise, Kohli and Rohit let their on-field performances do the talking. Rohit dominated the Australian series and finished as the top scorer and player of the series Kohli hit back-to-back centuries in the ongoing ODIs against South Africa. As discussions turn to the 2027 ODI World Cup, both players continue to strengthen their case, although uncertainty remains over how their roles align with Gambhir’s long-term vision.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
December 4, 2025
