India’s training session at Edgbaston ahead of the first ODI against England was overshadowed by a significant observation: Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir appeared to avoid interacting during practice. The lack of visible communication between the two became the primary focus of the session. Kohli spent a substantial amount of time in net practice, receiving individual instruction from batting coach Sitanshu Kotak before later engaging in a separate discussion with Gambhir.
While Gambhir was observed consulting with several senior players, including Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul, reporters on-site noted that no direct exchange occurred between the head coach and Kohli. Given their storied history—marked by intense IPL rivalries—the lack of interaction has drawn significant scrutiny. Gambhir has since transitioned into his coaching role, while Kohli remains a cornerstone of the Indian lineup.
This England series marks Kohli’s return to the squad after missing the recent series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Despite the injury, Kohli notably played through the pain to score an unbeaten 75, leading his team to consecutive championships. England, currently holding momentum after a 4-0 T20I whitewash against India, enters this ODI series with high confidence.
Watch the video below:
NO CONVERSATION BETWEEN VIRAT KOHLI & GAUTAM GAMBHIR?
– From Rohit Sharma to Gill, the coach had conversations with everyone except Virat Kohli.[ Ankan Kar]pic.twitter.com/zXlO2DSVsB
— Sam (@cricsam02) July 14, 2026
The footage shared on social media captures the apparent lack of communication between Kohli and Gambhir at the Edgbaston nets. This perceived distance has sparked renewed speculation regarding the relationship between India’s premier batsman and the head coach, though neither side has issued an official statement. As Kohli has transitioned to playing only ODI cricket for India, his involvement in the format is under intense observation.
Shubman Gill Discusses Kohli and India’s ODI Strategy
Gill was seen engaged in a lengthy discussion with Kohli during the session. In a subsequent pre-match press conference, Gill clarified that their conversation focused on selecting the optimal ODI combinations for the 2027 World Cup.
“We were talking about the combination. Which combination would be best for us, which players are there who may not be in the team right now but can help us in the future, which bowlers, which all-rounders, which spinners. We were talking about all of that,” he said.
The three-match ODI series commences at Edgbaston on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, continues in Cardiff on Thursday, July 16, 2026, and concludes at Lord’s on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Kohli’s batting performance throughout this series will be monitored as closely as the team’s internal dynamics.
