Rohit Sharma-Gautam Gambhir Rift Intensifies As Both Ignore Each Other In Net Session

Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir ignore each other at net practice [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @beastieboy07/X.com]

During India’s mandatory net session at the Sydney Cricket Ground held on Thursday, India captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir refrained from speaking to each other. These scenes raised eyebrows after rumours of a rift in the Indian camp have been rife since the team landed in Sydney.

India and Australia will face off at SCG on January 3 for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia holds a 2-1 lead, with India desperate to split the series.

However, the Indian camp was shaken after dressing room information was leaked by the media. According to reports, Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir’s relationship as captain and head coach has fallen apart. 

---

ALSO READ

Kohli, Bumrah Captaincy Aspirations To Rohit's Omission: Timeline Of Leaked Reports

---

Gautam Gambhir's rift with Rohit Sharma wide open!

The alleged rift widened on Thursday as India stepped out to practice at SCG. According to PTI, 'there were no signs of Rohit as players headed to the net practice area outside the main stadium. After nearly 35 minutes, Rohit quietly walked into the net arena without his kit.'

'While Gambhir stood at the farthest net, talking to Bumrah, Rohit was at the other end conversing with video analyst Hari Prasad. They stood in their respective places, and there was minimal interaction between them. '

'After the top-order had almost finished their session, Rohit Sharma entered the nets. It was just like MCG, where he had come to bat after all recognised batters had finished their stint, even though he was set to open the innings. However, no signs of improvement were found in his batting, as his reaction to deliveries was late.'

Moreover, PTI added that 'Rohit Sharma is no longer in coach Gautam Gambhir’s scheme of things after scoring just one-second innings half-century in the eight Tests that he has played this season.'

Apparently, 'an influential cricket administrator, who commands a lot of respect in the BCCI, has had a word with the head coach to explore if the skipper can be allowed to play the Sydney game and bow out from the Test arena.'

That being said, moments after the communication gap was wide open in the nets session, rumours dropped that Rohit Sharma has willingly decided to take a ‘rest’ for the SCG Test, with Jasprit Bumrah likely to replace him. 

(With Inputs from PTI)

---

ALSO READ

3 Hints By Gautam Gambhir To Confirm Rohit Sharma Snub From IND Vs AUS 5th Test

---