Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now only play the ODI format for India.
Senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma played key roles in India’s 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi on Sunday (November 30).
Kohli slammed his 52nd ODI hundred, a commanding 135 off 120 deliveries, while Rohit scored 57 off 51 balls to propel the hosts to a formidable 349/8 in 50 overs.
In reply, the Proteas came close to the target but Indian bowlers held their nerves to bowl out the tourists for 332 in 49.2 overs. This was a much-needed result, considering the 0-2 whitewash India suffered in the recent home Test series against South Africa.
However, the atmosphere inside the Indian ODI dressing room remains a concern, Dainik Jagran reported.
According to the report, things look absolutely fine in India’s T20I and Test setups but the presence of Kohli and Rohit has changed the dynamics in ODIs as head coach Gautam Gambhir no longer shares the same relationship with two batting stalwarts.
“The relations between Gautam Gambhir and senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma aren’t as good as they should be, and there could be a meeting regarding the future of the two players. This could take place either in Raipur or Visakhapatnam – venues for the second and third ODIs,” the publication quoted a BCCI source as saying.
In fact, the relations have turned sour between Kohli-Rohit and the decision-makers. During the Australia ODIs in October, Rohit and chief selector Ajit Agarkar were not on good terms. It was the same series where Kohli and Rohit made their much-awaited return to international cricket after seven months.
The same goes for Kohli and Gambhir, who have had very limited conversation in the ongoing South Africa ODI series.
“During the Australia series, Rohit and Agarkar did not interact at all. Between then and now, even Kohli and Gambhir haven’t spoken much to each other. Besides, the manner in which fans of Kohli and Rohit are attacking Gambhir on social media has made the BCCI upset,” the report added.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket within a gap of five days in May this year. Having retired from T20Is last year, the veteran campaigners are now focusing solely on the ODI format.
However, with fewer ODIs being scheduled these days, questions remain over the ageing duo's future, especially their participation in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.