Virat Kohli's form woes linked to alleged rift with Rohit Sharam, Gautam Gambhir ahead of BGT 2024-25

Former Australian cricketer Brendon Julian has stunned the cricket world by hinting at a possible rift within the Indian cricket team’s dressing room ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, starting on November 22 in Perth.

Brendon Julian made a shocking statement, claiming that the batting icon Virat Kohli is not in sync with the Indian captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir. This statement can reignite the old memories of Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir’s past history.

Brendon Julian claims Virat Kohli is out of sync with Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir

India’s hopes in the high-voltage five-match Test series rest heavily on Kohli, who is known for his fierce competitiveness and exceptional record on Australian soil. Well, Brendon Julian’s claim comes at a time when Kohli’s form has been far from his usual caliber under Gambhir’s tenure.

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Following a lackluster Test series against New Zealand, where Virat Kohli could manage only 93 runs across six innings at home, concerns are mounting with Julian openly questioning whether the dashing right-hander’s recent performances are being impacted by an underlying rift within Team India.

Julian has suggested that the Indian cricket team’s once-unbreakable spirit might be showing cracks. The former Australian bowler feels the former Indian captain’s recent struggles may not just be a dip in form but a reflection of strained relationships behind closed doors, especially with the new coach, Gautam Gambhir, and captain, Rohit Sharma.

Virat Kohli is not gelling with the captain and the coach: Brendon Julian

Julian highlighted concerns over Virat Kohli’s current form, saying the Indian batting maestro seems to be struggling to find a rhythm and is possibly not entirely in sync with Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma.

However, Julian believes that Kohli has the ability to bounce back in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, and if he quickly regains his momentum in Perth, the situation could spiral out of Australia’s control.

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Brendon Julian was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket: “The way that Virat Kohli got out against New Zealand – for him to get out like that in that Test series was unbelievable. Kohli is not at his best. He is not gelling with the captain probably and the coach but having said that, he can quickly turn it around. But if they start pulling in Perth, I reckon it'll be all over.”

The Aussies will clean up India in 4 days: Julian

Meanwhile, Julian predicted an easy four-day victory for Australia in the upcoming Perth Test. He noted that Indian captain Rohit Sharma is likely to miss the first Test, and Jasprit Bumrah will step up as captain, saying leading the team while opening the bowling brings unique challenges despite his skill.

Julian further noted, “The Aussies will clean up India in 4 days. There are worrying signs for India, straight at the top. Rohit Sharma is not playing the first Test; he has come out and said that. So, Jasprit Bumrah will captain the side. Now that's a lot of pressure when you're the opening bowler. He is a wonderful bowler; no doubt about that. But all of a sudden when you're opening the bowling and captaining the side, that's a whole different ball game.”