BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has shared his thoughts on the equation between head coach Gautam Gambhir and former India captain Virat Kohli. The relationship between the two 2011 World Cup winners and ex-India teammates has always been a huge talking point.

Their public tussle in a match in the Indian Premier League led to speculation of a huge rift between the two. Therefore, it was surprising when Gautam Gambhir was named the Indian head coach, replacing Rahul Dravid at the helm.

While the start was fine, India’s poor outing in Tests, with series defeats to New Zealand at home and to Australia in the BGT 2024-25 down under, resulted in Virat Kohli, along with Rohit Sharma, retiring from Test cricket. Both the Indian stalwarts now play for India in only the ODI format.

The relationship between Kohli and Gambhir has been the subject of renewed controversy in recent months. This is supposedly tied to Kohli and Rohit's desire to play for India in the 2027 World Cup, whereas Gambhir prefers young blood.

The two were not seen chatting throughout the nets session, and after the first ODI against New Zealand, Kohli was seen seemingly ignoring the former India opener and passing him in the changing room.

Devajit Saikia, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has finally spoken out on the connection between Gambhir and Kohli, stating that the two have a cordial relationship and are not bickering.

“I have never seen them fighting. They are in a very good cordial relationship,” Saikia said on India Today podcast.

When reminded about Kohli and Gambhir’s fight during a 2023 IPL match, Saikia said, “I haven't seen it. IPL? Maybe I didn't see that match because I was with them when they were representing the country. So, IPL: watching every match is not possible.”

When asked whether Gautam Gambhir wants Kohli out of the team, Saikia issued a stern response, saying, “That perception might be there, but Virat Kohli is always in the team. Gautam Gambhir is also there. We see the results. Have you seen Virat Kohli not being a part of the team?”

Saikia also debunked the misconception that Virat Kohli was forced to retire from Tests, stating that a player of his caliber cannot be forced to make a decision.

“Nobody can force a player of the stature of Virat Kohli to change and make a decision. He is at that level. He is not an ordinary player; he is a legend in Indian cricket. Nobody can force him to decide unless he chooses to. The board will not interfere in any player's career,” said Saikia.

Virat and Rohit’s Test retirements led to rumors about their future in ODIs as well, and many stated that the duo might call time on their careers in Australia. However, the two senior pros stepped up with the bat, silencing all their critics.

"A lot of people write rubbish also. We cannot comment on rubbish. We don't see any such things. These things were never brought up in any meetings,” Saikia said on reports of Gambhir not wanting Rohit and Kohli in the ODI setup.

(India Today inputs)