Reports suggest tension between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir after India’s 17-run win over South Africa.

Reports suggest a possible dispute between Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir, which allegedly surfaced during the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday.

After India’s 17-run win, thanks to Kohli’s century, an incident caught attention when Kohli walked past Gambhir near the dressing room door without shaking hands or speaking. A video clip of the moment sparked widespread debate on social media.

Hindi newspaper Dainik Bhaskar reported on Monday that the relationship between two senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir is reportedly strained. The report stated that Rohit and Virat, who have retired from T20 Internationals and Tests, are aiming to continue playing ODI cricket and secure their spots in the squad.

The report also stated that Kohli and Gambhir did not communicate during the net session in Ranchi, further fueling the rumors.

Some fans who closely watched the match dismissed such reports, posting another video showing Gambhir and Kohli exchanging a side-hug. The viral clip suggests the incident may have been misunderstood.

The Indian team is currently in a transitional phase. Virat Kohli is 37 and Rohit Sharma is 38, and both now play exclusively in ODIs at the international level. They are believed to be aiming for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Team management has not made any official statements but noted that if their fitness and form remain consistent, they could be included in the squad.

However, apart from that, with that great innings in the first ODI against South Africa. Virat Kohli also thrashed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most centuries in the ODI and surpasses him. In consecutive innings, he smashed 11 fours and seven sixes and helped his team to take revenge from the visitors.