Overview:
The post-match snub has added to the rumors surrounding a potential rift between Gambhir and Kohli.
Despite India’s 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa on December 6, which should have been a moment of celebration for the top performers, the post-match press conference saw the focus shift away from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the key figures of the series.
Robin Uthappa, ex-India cricketer and Gambhir’s former teammate, was quick to notice the omission, leading to a surge of opinions and discussions among cricket fans and experts.
Kohli’s exceptional form saw him score 302 runs at a blistering average of 151 and a strike rate of 117.05, including two centuries. Rohit Sharma also made valuable contributions, amassing 146 runs at an average of 48.66 and a strike rate above 110. Together, they played a major role in India’s series win.
“I found it surprising that during the post-match press conference, Gautam didn’t acknowledge either Rohit or Virat. These two players have been exceptional, batting out of their skins, and demonstrated their immense ability. They’ve silenced any doubts and critics about their capabilities and what they can bring to India when they’re in top form. It just felt odd,” Uthappa shared on his YouTube channel.
The post-match snub has added to the rumors surrounding a potential rift between Gambhir and Kohli. Fans pointed out, based on TV coverage, that Kohli seemed to ignore Gambhir after his century in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi. On the other hand, visuals of Gambhir casually speaking with Rohit quickly went viral.
Gambhir’s comments in the press conference were primarily centered around team objectives and future planning, with very little mention of the senior duo. Uthappa found this oversight strange, especially in light of the crucial roles Rohit and Kohli played.
While both players have retired from Test cricket and T20Is, they remain active in the ODI format. They continue to lead India’s 50-over ambitions, fueling speculation about their future roles in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
When questioned about Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who both scored centuries in the absence of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, Gambhir avoided making any statements about their roles in India’s ODI plans. “You have to remember that the ODI World Cup is still two years away. It’s crucial to focus on the present. These are world-class players, and their experience is invaluable in the dressing room. They’ve been performing at this level for a long time, and hopefully, they can keep doing the same, which will be vital for the 50-over format,” he said.