The image of Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli — two of Indian cricket’s most fiery competitors — sharing a dressing room was always going to generate sparks. But according to the rumor mill, those sparks had turned into a full-blown forest fire.
Reports of "ignoring each other" in the nets. Viral videos of cold shoulders. And the persistent whisper that the new Head Coach was looking to move past the old guard. It was the perfect storm for headlines. But was it true?
The Official Stance: "We See the Results"
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has finally addressed the elephant in the room. Speaking on a recent podcast, Saikia didn’t mince words when asked about the alleged friction between Gambhir and Kohli.
"I have never seen them fighting. They are in a very good cordial relationship," Saikia stated, dismantling the theory of a dressing room divided.
When pressed on the infamous IPL spat that started it all, Saikia played the Diplomant card effectively: "I haven't seen it... I was with them when they were representing the country."
The 'Purge' Theory and the Test Retirement
The most damaging rumor wasn't just about personality clashes; it was about policy. Speculation that Gambhir was actively pushing for the removal of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the ODI setup — especially after Kohli’s retirement from Tests following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy — had gained traction.
Saikia’s response was definitive. "Nobody can force a player of the stature of Virat Kohli to change and make a decision... The board will not interfere in any player's career."
He labeled the reports of a forced exit as "rubbish," bringing a decisive end to the speculation.
The Verdict
With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, the focus needs to shift from the dressing room gossip to the 22 yards. The administration has cleared the air. Now, it’s up to the team to clear the boundary ropes.