Virat Kohli-Gautam Gambhir Rift Rumours Rubbished by Batting Coach Sitanshu Kotak
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has categorically denied rumours of a rift between star batter Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir during the ongoing ODI series against England. Kotak confirmed that both individuals are in frequent communication, even on match days, rubbishing media speculation.
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has moved swiftly to quell widespread speculation regarding a strained relationship between former captain Virat Kohli and current head coach Gautam Gambhir. Speaking to the media after India's loss in the second One Day International against England in Cardiff, Kotak firmly stated that the two prominent figures in Indian cricket are in regular communication, even interacting extensively on the day of the match itself. Rohit Sharma Likely to Retire After India vs England 3rd ODI at Lord’s: Report.
Sitanshu Kotak Dismisses Kohli-Gambhir Rift
🚨 "PLEASE STOP THE VIRAT–GAMBHIR NOISE" – SITANSHU KOTAK 🤯
🎙️ Sitanshu Kotak on the Virat Kohli–Gautam Gambhir rumours:
The Indian batting coach has firmly denied reports of any tension between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir.
He revealed that the two continue to communicate… pic.twitter.com/fzcZc8zTOZ
— Spotlight Central (@avbvikash1810) July 17, 2026
"Virat and Gautam, they must have talked 10 times today. I don't think they need a bridge," Kotak asserted, addressing persistent questions from reporters. His comments aim to put an end to social media conjecture and media reports suggesting a lack of interaction between Kohli and Gambhir, particularly after some training ground visuals from the England tour showed limited engagement between them.
Rumours and Reality
The rumours of a rift between Kohli (37) and Gambhir (44), both renowned for their competitive spirit and past on-field disagreements during their playing careers, especially in the Indian Premier League, have often resurfaced. However, Kotak clarified that such assumptions were based on incomplete information and did not reflect the actual situation within the Indian dressing room. He also revealed that Kohli had sought his technical advice prior to batting, highlighting a professional and collaborative environment. Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir Reportedly Avoid Interaction During Edgbaston Practice Session.
Gambhir was appointed as the head coach of the Indian national cricket team on July 9, 2024, succeeding Rahul Dravid. Under his guidance, India has seen significant white-ball success, clinching the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Asia Cup 2025, and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Kohli, meanwhile, announced his retirement from T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup and from the Test format in May 2025, now focusing primarily on ODIs.
The England Tour So Far
India is currently on a white-ball tour of England, which commenced on July 1, 2026, with a five-match T20I series. England secured a dominant 4-0 victory in the T20Is. The teams then transitioned to a three-match ODI series, which began on July 14.
ODI Series Schedule & Results:
| Match | Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | July 14, 2026 | Edgbaston, Birmingham | India Won |
| 2nd ODI | July 16, 2026 | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | England Won |
| 3rd ODI | July 19, 2026 | Lord's Cricket Ground, London | TBD |
The focus now shifts to the final ODI at Lord's, where India will look to salvage pride in the series against a formidable English side. Kotak's emphatic denial serves to redirect attention back to the cricketing action, reinforcing that the team's professional dynamics remain intact despite external noise.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 10:09 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
