Virat Kohli lit up Ranchi with a match-winning 135 within the first ODI towards South Africa. It was his 52nd ODI hundred, and it earned him the Participant of the Match award. His century additionally pushed him previous Sachin Tendulkar for many tons in a single format and took his worldwide tally to 83. India’s win was constructed virtually totally on his knock.
Contained in the dressing room, the temper appeared heat. Gautam Gambhir and the help workers gave Kohli a standing ovation. Gambhir even walked up and hugged him. For a lot of followers, it felt like a recent begin between two large personalities who haven’t at all times shared the smoothest equation.
However just a few hours later, a brief clip modified the tone on-line. Kohli was seen strolling towards the dressing room whereas taking a look at his telephone. He handed Gambhir with out eye contact. The second lasted solely a second, but it was sufficient to set off loud chatter on social media.
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Kohli utterly ignored Gambhir 😭pic.twitter.com/gaSKhatUOz
— Suprvirat (@Mostlykohli) December 1, 2025
The video rapidly introduced again previous debates a few rift between Kohli and Gambhir. Their previous on-field clashes are well-known, and followers had been prepared to attract conclusions once more. Many ignored the truth that the 2 had already shared a heat dressing room celebration the identical day.
Some customers went additional, blaming Gambhir for India’s current Check hunch and even for Kohli’s Check retirement earlier this yr. This blame recreation has grown louder after India’s 0-2 Check collection loss to South Africa. Gambhir was requested powerful questions after the defeat. He stated he would proceed as head coach until the BCCI determined in any other case.
Kohli’s record-breaking hundred additionally got here with one other milestone. He and Rohit Sharma accomplished 392 matches collectively, making them India’s longest-playing pair in worldwide cricket. Their partnership on the high degree stays one in all India’s largest strengths.
Many former gamers and journalists have urged followers to be calmer whereas judging the Kohli-Gambhir dynamic. They consider such fast clips by no means reveal the complete image. The day itself confirmed each side, a heat embrace and an ungainly second. It’s arduous to know which one tells the true story.
For now, India will hope their on-field efficiency stays stronger than the noise round it. Kohli’s kind appears pretty much as good as ever. Gambhir, alternatively, is below stress however stays dedicated to his position. The crew strikes to the subsequent ODI with confidence, even because the off-field buzz refuses to settle.
