‘I’m human, I make mistakes’: Gautam Gambhir opens up on relationship with Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

India men's cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has suggested that he might not have handled certain aspects of his relationship with senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma perfectly during his tenure.

Kohli and Rohit stepped away from Test cricket during the first season of Gambhir’s stint as head coach, following India’s disappointing performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

While speaking at the RevSportz Conclave in Kolkata, Gambhir was asked about reports and media discussions regarding his equation with the two senior players. In recent months, speculation had suggested that the relationship between them had become strained.


Although Gambhir did not directly respond to the claims, he acknowledged that he might have made some mistakes, adding that errors are a natural part of being human and that all his decisions were taken with the right intentions.

Gambhir’s Tenure Under Scrutiny

Since taking charge as India’s head coach in July 2024, Gambhir has frequently been in the spotlight.

However, the team has also enjoyed significant success during this period. Under Gambhir’s guidance, India won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2026, and also lifted the Asia Cup last year.

During the event, Gambhir was also asked about a social media post in which he hinted that certain individuals were attempting to create divisions between him and the players.

The question referred to ongoing speculation surrounding his relationship with Kohli and Rohit, including claims that he wanted them removed from the team.

Responding to the query, Gambhir admitted that mistakes are inevitable in such roles.

"I’m a human. I should be allowed to make mistakes. Just like anyone else, a player should be allowed to make mistakes. I must have made mistakes in the last 18 months. I don’t shy away from that, but I’ve always believed in one thing. Wrong decision with right intent is acceptable, but wrong decision with wrong intent is not in that dressing room," he said.

Retirement of Kohli and Rohit Intensified Debate

Discussions about Gambhir’s relationship with the two senior players grew louder after Kohli and Rohit announced their retirement from Test cricket.

Both Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have faced criticism from certain sections over the issue. However, there has been no official confirmation suggesting that either player was forced out of the format.

Gambhir Emphasises Honesty and Communication

Gambhir stated that his focus remains on performing his role with honesty and maintaining transparent communication with the players.

"Till the time I am doing everything with honesty, till the time I can be honest with everyone in that dressing room, I can look into their eyes and talk to them, I think I am doing a fair job with my position. That is something I can live with. I don’t need to clarify anything and everything that appears on social media," added the head coach.

[With TOI inputs]