Kohli Refuses to Join Victory Celebrations as Gambhir–Rohit Chat Goes Viral

India kicked off their three-match ODI series against South Africa on a high note, clinching a thrilling 17-run victory in the opener at the JSCA International Stadium Complex on November 30, 2025, to erase the sting of a recent 2-0 Test series whitewash at home. Stand-in captain KL Rahul, deputising for the injured Shubman Gill, led from the front as the hosts posted a formidable 349/8, powered by Virat Kohli's masterful 52nd ODI century (135 off 120 balls) and Rohit Sharma's explosive 57 off 51 deliveries. The duo forged a crucial 100-run stand for the second wicket after an early setback, setting the tone for a clinical batting display. In response, South Africa appeared poised for a chase at 200/2 but faltered under pressure, bowled out for 332, thanks to a lethal spin spell from Kuldeep Yadav (4/62) and pacer Harshit Rana's incisive burst. Kohli's knock earned him Player of the Match honours, marking his first ODI tonne in front of home fans since February and underscoring his enduring class in the 50-over format.

Post-match celebrations extended into the team hotel in Ranchi, where Rahul was seen gleefully cutting a cake amid cheers from teammates, a moment captured in a video that rapidly went viral on social media. However, the festivities took an intriguing turn when Kohli, fresh off his match-winning heroics, politely declined repeated invitations from fans and hotel staff to join the group, opting instead to head straight for the elevator with a quick wave and grin. The clip, showing Kohli bypassing the gathering, fuelled immediate speculation online, especially as it coincided with head coach Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma engrossed in what appeared to be a second intense conversation in the lobby—following a similar exchange in the dressing room earlier. Social media users dissected the footage frame-by-frame, with some interpreting Kohli's swift exit as a sign of underlying tensions within the ODI setup, while others dismissed it as the batter simply seeking rest after a gruelling performance.

The viral videos emerged against a backdrop of mounting reports suggesting friction in India's white-ball camp, particularly between Gambhir and the senior duo of Kohli and Sharma, whose return to ODIs after Test retirements has been a focal point. A Dainik Jagran report, citing BCCI sources, revealed that while the T20I and Test environments remain harmonious, the ODI dressing room atmosphere has soured, with Gambhir's rapport with the veterans reportedly deteriorating amid tactical differences and selection debates. The Board is said to be displeased with Gambhir's frequent social media criticisms, which have invited trolling and amplified internal discord; a high-level meeting to address the seniors' futures and team dynamics is reportedly slated before the second ODI in Raipur on December 3. Additional clips, including one purporting to show Kohli ignoring Gambhir post-match, have intensified the narrative, though neither party has commented publicly, leaving fans to speculate on whether it's genuine discord or mere overanalysis in the high-stakes world of Indian cricket.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir Seen in Animated Discussion After India’s Win vs South Africa

As the series progresses to Visakhapatnam for the finale on December 6, the on-field success—India's second win in four recent ODIs, with Kohli and Sharma claiming player honours in each—contrasts sharply with the off-field whispers, testing the BCCI's management acumen. Gambhir, appointed head coach in mid-2025, has emphasised a no-nonsense approach to rebuilding post the Test debacle, but reconciling his straight-talking style with the egos of two all-time greats will be pivotal. For Kohli, whose ODI career hangs in balance amid retirement rumours, the Ranchi masterclass served as a resounding statement of intent, blending vintage aggression with calculated intent. With South Africa desperate to level the series, the coming matches promise not just cricketing fireworks but potentially revealing insights into the heart of India's transitional ODI unit, where legacy meets evolution.

Also Read: INDvsSA 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma Becomes ODI Six-Hitting Leader as India Post 349 Against South Africa