New Delhi: BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed speculation about a rift between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, stating that the two share a cordial professional relationship and that there is no conflict between them within the Indian cricket setup.
Speaking on a podcast interview, Saikia addressed growing public debate around the equation between the former India captain and the former opener, who is now part of the national team’s support leadership structure. Recent on-field and off-field visuals had triggered fresh rumours, with social media users claiming that the two were not on speaking terms.
Saikia, however, said such claims are not backed by what he has personally observed.
“I have never seen them fighting. They are in a very good cordial relationship,” he said.
Speculation grew after recent match visuals
In recent months, discussion around Kohli and Gambhir’s relationship resurfaced after the two were not seen interacting during practice sessions and match-day preparations. After an ODI against New Zealand, television footage showed Kohli walking past Gambhir inside the dressing room area, which further fuelled speculation online.
The episode revived memories of their heated on-field exchange during an IPL 2023 match, which had resulted in disciplinary action and fines at the time.
When reminded about that IPL confrontation, Saikia said he was not present at that match and could not comment on it directly.
“I haven’t seen it. IPL? Maybe I didn’t see that match because I was with them when they were representing the country. Watching every IPL match is not possible,” he said.
“Kohli is always in the team”
Saikia also rejected suggestions that Gambhir has any influence aimed at keeping Kohli out of the Indian team. Responding firmly to such claims, he said team selection and continuation are performance-based and handled through established processes.
“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?” he said.
He indicated that rumours about internal camps or personal agendas are often exaggerated and not reflective of actual decision-making within the board or team management.
No one can force Kohli to retire
Addressing another widely discussed topic — Kohli’s reported decision to step away from Test cricket and focus on ODIs — Saikia said no authority can compel a player of Kohli’s stature to retire from any format.
“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,” Saikia said.
He added that the BCCI does not interfere in individual career decisions and that format choices are made by players themselves after considering workload, form and personal priorities.
“The board will not interfere in any player’s career,” he said.
Rumours around senior players dismissed
There had also been media reports and online discussions suggesting that senior players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma might be phased out of the ODI setup after recent Test retirements and team transitions. Some reports even suggested disagreements within the leadership group over the future of senior batters.
Saikia dismissed these claims as unfounded.
“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,” he said.
He stressed that selection discussions happen through formal channels and are based on cricketing parameters rather than personal preferences.
Focus remains on performance
Board officials maintain that the Indian team environment remains professional and performance-driven despite public narratives around personality clashes. With multiple senior and former players now part of coaching and mentoring roles, overlapping histories are inevitable, but officials say systems are in place to keep the focus on results.
Saikia’s remarks appear aimed at cooling speculation and reinforcing the message that both Kohli and Gambhir continue to play important roles in Indian cricket without internal friction affecting team functioning.
Conclusion
By publicly backing both Kohli and Gambhir and dismissing talk of conflict or coercion, the BCCI secretary has attempted to put an end to rumours of dressing room divisions. According to the board, team selection and player career decisions remain independent, performance-based and free from personal rivalry narratives.