virat kohli avoids gautam gambhir indore cricket: As the Indian cricket team gears up for the third One Day International against New Zealand in Indore, an unexpected moment from a routine practice session has set social media buzzing. A short video clip from the nets at the Holkar Stadium has gone viral, prompting fans to once again question the relationship between two of Indian cricket’s most prominent figures. The incident, now widely discussed under the phrase “virat kohli avoids gautam gambhir indore cricket,” has reignited debate about whether old tensions still linger within the team setup.
The third ODI of the ongoing series is scheduled to be played in Indore, and Team India arrived at the venue early to prepare thoroughly. The atmosphere during practice was otherwise intense and professional, with players focusing on fine-tuning their skills. However, it was one brief interaction, or rather the absence of one, that captured the attention of fans.
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir walked past each other but didn’t even look at one another – Is there really some issue going on between the two? 💔
— Jara (@JARA_Memer) January 17, 2026
After India’s win in the 1st ODI against New Zealand, only Rohit Sharma hugged Gambhir — Virat did not. pic.twitter.com/9RmBbZcBH1
The Viral Moment That Sparked Debate
In the video circulating across social media platforms, Virat Kohli can be seen walking past Gautam Gambhir during the practice session. Despite Gambhir being right in front of him, Kohli does not make eye contact and continues walking without acknowledging the former India opener. The clip is short, but it was enough to trigger a wave of reactions online.
Fans were quick to interpret the moment in their own ways. Some described it as awkward, while others went further, suggesting that the so-called “cold war” between Kohli and Gambhir may not be over yet. Comments such as “Boss, something is wrong” and “Why so cold?” flooded social media timelines within hours of the video going viral.
The phrase “virat kohli avoids gautam gambhir indore cricket” soon began trending, with fans dissecting every second of the footage. For many supporters, the incident raised uncomfortable questions about harmony within the Indian dressing room at a time when unity is crucial.
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir walked past each other but didn’t even look at one another – Is there really some issue going on between the two? 💔
— Jara (@JARA_Memer) January 17, 2026
After India’s win in the 1st ODI against New Zealand, only Rohit Sharma hugged Gambhir — Virat did not. pic.twitter.com/9RmBbZcBH1
Long-Standing Speculation Resurfaces
This is not the first time that the relationship between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir has come under public scrutiny. Over the years, their on-field clashes and contrasting personalities have often been highlighted by fans and commentators alike. While both have moved on to different roles in Indian cricket, moments like this continue to attract attention.
In recent months, speculation has also grown around the broader dynamics between senior players such as Kohli and Rohit Sharma and the new coaching structure. Any visual that appears unusual is quickly magnified in the age of social media, and this practice session clip was no exception.
Batting Coach Sitanshu Kotak Breaks the Silence
Amid the growing chatter, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed the issue and attempted to put things into perspective. Speaking about the working relationship within the team, Kotak dismissed the idea of any serious rift and urged people not to read too much into isolated visuals.
Kotak explained that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are deeply involved in shaping India’s long-term plans in the ODI format, particularly with an eye on next year’s World Cup. According to him, discussions among senior players and the coaching staff are frequent and constructive.
“Most of the time I am there,” Kotak said, adding that he often hears senior players sharing their experiences and ideas. He emphasised that Kohli, Rohit, and Gambhir regularly communicate and contribute to team discussions. Kotak also pointed out that social media often presents selective moments that can easily be misinterpreted.
“You see a lot of things on social media,” he noted, suggesting that not every clip reflects the complete reality. In his view, there are many positives within the group that tend to get overlooked amid online speculation.
Issue in Indian cricket team 💔 pic.twitter.com/oracJXCAAj
— Lovicx (@Couple3pics) January 17, 2026
Focus Shifts to Strategy and Future Challenges
Beyond addressing rumours, Kotak also spoke about India’s cricketing roadmap in the coming months. With the T20 World Cup set to conclude in March, the team’s attention will soon return to the ODI format. Kotak highlighted that India will need to rework aspects of its batting approach, particularly in light of changes to playing conditions.
One key adjustment relates to the new ball rule after the 34th over. Under the revised regulations, teams will use only one ball beyond that point, which is expected to have a significant impact on batting and bowling strategies between the 35th and 50th overs. Kotak explained that the bowling side will now have to make a choice between two balls, adding a new tactical dimension to the game.
“There will be more ODIs after the T20 World Cup,” Kotak said, stressing the importance of adapting to the new rule. He made it clear that India’s preparation is already underway, with senior players actively contributing to discussions on how best to handle the changed conditions.
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Fans Divided Over What They Saw
Despite Kotak’s reassurances, fans remain divided. Some believe the viral clip is being blown out of proportion, arguing that players are often deeply focused during training sessions and may not always interact visibly. Others, however, remain unconvinced and continue to speculate about unresolved issues.
What is clear is that the incident has once again brought the spotlight onto the relationship between Kohli and Gambhir. Whether the moment was intentional or simply coincidental, it underscores how closely every move of India’s star players is watched and analysed.
As the third ODI in Indore approaches, the focus will inevitably shift back to cricketing action on the field. Yet, until the first ball is bowled, discussions around “virat kohli avoids gautam gambhir indore cricket” are likely to persist, fuelled by fan curiosity and the ever-watchful eye of social media.
For now, the Indian team appears determined to block out the noise and concentrate on performance. Only time will tell whether this viral moment fades away or becomes another chapter in one of Indian cricket’s most talked-about narratives.