India’s victory by 17 runs over South Africa in the series openers saw contributions from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with the host nation taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The result is a welcome change after their recent 1-2 defeat in Australia. India seem to be bouncing back from the 0-2 whitewash at the hands of the Proteas. The ODIs have become less frequent, and this is India’s second bilateral series since the Champions Trophy. The Men in Blue continue to shine, with the brilliance of Virat and Rohit playing a key role.
Indian cricket isn’t the same without Kohli and Rohit. While they managed to draw the Test series in England and win the Asia Cup, the absence of their star power has impacted the team. When they returned for the October series against Australia, the format suddenly became exciting again. With Rohit posting scores of 73, 121*, 57, and Kohli managing an unbeaten 74 and 135, it seems the old times are back. Fans are buzzing, as the dynamic Ro-Ko are back to their best.
Despite the positive vibes surrounding the Indian team, there are concerns in the dressing room. According to a report in Dainik Jagran, while the T20I and Test setups are operating smoothly, the dynamic in the ODI squad has shifted with the return of Kohli and Rohit. The report suggests that the relationship between head coach Gautam Gambhir and the two batting stalwarts is not good and no longer as warm as it once was.
“The relationship between Gautam Gambhir and senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma isn’t as strong as expected, and there may be a discussion about the future of the two players. This meeting could be held in either Raipur or Visakhapatnam, where the second and third ODIs are scheduled,” the source said.
The tensions between Ro-Ko and the decision-makers have become quite evident. During the Australia ODIs, it was reported that Rohit and the BCCI chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, were not on the best terms. This series marked the long-awaited return of both Kohli and Rohit to Indian cricket after their absence since March, and to some extent, they made an impressive comeback. The situation is similar with Kohli and Gambhir, who have had minimal interaction during the ongoing South Africa ODIs.
“Rohit and Agarkar did not have any interaction during the Australia series, and since then, Kohli and Gambhir have hardly spoken to each other. Additionally, the attacks on Gambhir by fans of Kohli and Rohit on social media have upset the BCCI,” the report mentioned.