Posted in

Kohli Snubs Gambhir in Raipur Net Session Drama

•0
Virat Kohli ignores Gautam Gambhir, Rohit Sharma stops for a quick chat

The cricketing world is buzzing with a new controversy from Raipur. Just days before the high-stakes second ODI against South Africa, a video clip showing Virat Kohli seemingly ignoring head coach Gautam Gambhir has gone viral, sparking intense debate about the duo’s relationship. In stark contrast, captain Rohit Sharma was seen stopping for a quick, amicable chat with the coach, highlighting a fascinating dynamic within the Indian camp.

Table of Contents

The Raipur Encounter: What Actually Happened?

The incident unfolded during a team practice session at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur, the venue for the 2nd ODI on December 3, 2025 . Footage shows Virat Kohli, after his net session, walking with purpose toward the dressing room. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who was positioned between two nets observing the training, turned to greet the star batter. However, Kohli, focused and seemingly in his own world, walked straight past without acknowledging him .

Minutes later, captain Rohit Sharma, who had also just finished training, approached the same spot. In a clear display of respect and team unity, Rohit stopped and engaged in a brief but friendly conversation with Gambhir . The side-by-side comparison of these two interactions has become the talk of the town, with fans and pundits alike drawing their own conclusions.

Virat Kohli Gautam Gambhir: A Relationship Under Scrutiny

This isn’t the first time the Virat Kohli Gautam Gambhir dynamic has been under the microscope. Reports have been swirling for months about a growing distance between the former captain and the new head coach. Some sources suggest Kohli and his close ally, Rohit Sharma, are not entirely pleased with Gambhir’s coaching methods and the overall team environment .

Adding fuel to the fire, just before this net session, a video emerged of Kohli in a deep, serious discussion with BCCI national selector Pragyan Ojha, a former teammate from their Deccan Chargers days . This separate meeting, away from the main group, has been interpreted by many as a sign of internal friction. While the BCCI has officially downplayed any rift, stating a “crisis meeting” isn’t needed , the body language on the field tells a more complex story.

Is There a Pattern?

Observers point to a pattern of Kohli and Rohit often being seen together at training, sometimes even in separate sessions from the larger group, which is perceived as a subtle show of unity against the current coaching setup . The Raipur moment is seen by many as a public manifestation of this private tension.

Rohit Sharma’s Diplomatic Approach

Rohit Sharma’s brief chat with Gambhir serves as a critical counterpoint to the Kohli narrative. As the current captain, Rohit is in a delicate position. He must maintain a working relationship with the head coach for the team’s sake while also managing his long-standing friendship with Kohli.

His action can be interpreted in multiple ways:

  • As a genuine act of respect for the coaching staff.
  • A public display of team unity to quell media speculation.
  • A subtle message to Kohli about the importance of team protocol.

Regardless of the intent, it highlights Rohit’s role as a bridge between the players and the management—a role that is being tested like never before.

Kohli’s Sharp Net Session Ahead of the 2nd ODI

Despite the off-field drama, Kohli’s focus on his game was undeniable. He looked sharp and assertive during his batting practice, taking on India’s elite throwdown specialists, D. Raghvendra (Raghu) and Nuwan Seneviratne . These experts, known for their ability to replicate match-like pace and bounce, pushed Kohli hard throughout the session .

While Kohli found the middle of the bat repeatedly, there were also moments where Raghu’s extra pace beat his bat, a reminder that even the greats face challenges in the nets. Kohli has previously credited this trio of throwdown experts for making a “big difference” to his preparation and success . His ability to compartmentalize and deliver a high-intensity net session amidst the surrounding noise is a testament to his legendary professionalism.

What’s at Stake in Raipur for India vs South Africa

The context makes this incident even more significant. The 2nd ODI in Raipur on December 3, 2025 , is a crucial match in a three-game series against a formidable South African side. India is looking to bounce back after a tough loss or to consolidate a win from the first game in Ranchi.

The team’s internal harmony is paramount for peak performance on such a big stage. Any distraction, real or perceived, can have a ripple effect on the dressing room atmosphere and, ultimately, on-field results. The pressure is on everyone, from the players to the coach, to put personal dynamics aside for the national cause.

Conclusion: Is the Kohli-Gambhir Rift Real?

While we can’t know the private thoughts of Virat Kohli or Gautam Gambhir, the public imagery from Raipur is hard to ignore. Kohli’s silent walk-past, juxtaposed with Rohit Sharma’s friendly stop, paints a picture of a fractured relationship at the top of the Indian team. Whether it’s a minor misunderstanding or a symptom of a deeper, systemic issue within the camp remains to be seen. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on their interactions during the 2nd ODI in Raipur. For fans of Indian cricket, the hope is that any discord is set aside, and the team can deliver a performance worthy of their immense talent on the field. The real story will be written with the bat and ball, not in the corridors of the stadium.

Sources

All information for this article was gathered from publicly available and credible news sources. Key references include:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *