- Viral video showed Rohit and Gambhir sharing a light moment.
- Video contradicted reports of alleged tension, Rohit’s future.
- BCCI dismissed retirement reports; Rohit focused on net practice.
England vs India: A video of India captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir sharing a light-hearted moment at Lord’s has gone viral ahead of the third ODI against England. The clip comes at a time when both Rohit’s future and his reported relationship with Gambhir have been the subject of intense speculation.
The two were seen chatting and smiling on the Lord’s balcony before India’s training session, with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also part of the conversation.
Viral Video Paints A Different Picture
The footage quickly spread across social media, with many fans pointing out that the interaction did not reflect the reports of tension within the Indian dressing room.
Over the past few days, several reports have claimed Rohit and Gambhir have drifted apart since India’s tour of Australia. There has also been speculation over Rohit’s ODI future, with reports suggesting the selectors are planning for a transition ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Neither Rohit nor Gambhir has publicly responded to those claims.
Watch Rohit Sharma And Gautam Gambhir Laughing On The Balcony
Locked in, but enjoying the moment 💙#RohitSharma and #GautamGambhir share a laugh on the Lord’s balcony before India take the field for the series-deciding ODI. 👏#ENGvIND 3rd ODI 👉 SUN, 19th JULY, 2:30 PM on JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/FUCQX0HxTa
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 18, 2026
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Rohit Puts In Long Nets Ahead Of Series Decider
After the interaction, Rohit spent considerable time batting in the nets as India prepared for the series decider.
The India captain is looking to bounce back after scores of 11 in the first ODI and 26 off 47 balls in the second. He has also crossed 50 only once in his last eight ODI innings, making Sunday’s match an important opportunity to return to form.
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak was seen working closely with Rohit during the session.
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BCCI Has Denied Retirement Reports
The viral video comes shortly after BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed reports claiming Rohit was nearing the end of his ODI career.
Saikia said there had been no discussion about Rohit retiring after the England series and maintained that the India captain remains part of the team’s plans.
Despite the board’s statement, speculation over Rohit’s future has continued in the lead-up to the Lord’s ODI.
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Focus Shifts Back To Cricket
India and England head into the third ODI with the series level at 1-1.
While off-field reports have dominated the headlines, the images from Lord’s suggested there was little sign of tension between Rohit and Gambhir during India’s preparations. Attention will now turn to whether the India captain can answer the questions surrounding his form with a match-winning performance in the series decider.
