The Indian ODI team finally has reasons to cheer as it defeated South Africa by 17 runs to clinch the first match of the series and take a 1-0 lead in the series. This was a much-needed result, considering the 1-2 defeat in Australia not too long ago. With back-to-back wins in ODI cricket, India could be on its way to applying balm to the catastrophe of the 0-2 whitewash at the hands of South Africa.

ODIs may be few and far between; in fact, this was only the second ODI series Team India had been part of since their victory in the Champions Trophy back in February. But while the craze around ODI cricket is swindling, the presence of two individuals – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – has made it worth watching.

Let’s not beat around the bush. Indian cricket is no longer the same without Kohli, Rohit. They may have drawn the Test series in England and lifted the Asia Cup, but the lack of star power has slightly taken the sheen off this Indian team. Hence, when they returned for the Australia matches in October, ODIs regained popularity.

And the fact that Kohli and Rohit, for two straight matches, have performed brilliantly – Rohit with scores of 73, 121 not out, 57, and Kohli’s unbeaten 74 and 135 – it’s almost as if the old times have returned. The crowd is having a ball, the social media is in a frenzy, and Ro-Ko seems to be in its element.

However, despite good vibes, the atmosphere inside the Indian ODI dressing room remains a concern. A report in Dainik Jagran states that while things look absolutely fine in India’s T20I and Test setups, the presence of Kohli and Rohit has changed the dynamics in ODIs. As per the report, head coach Gautam Gambhir no longer shares the same relationship with two batting stalwarts of Indian cricket, their equation turning borderline cold.

“The relations between Gautam Gambhir and senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma aren’t as good as they should be, and there could be a meeting regarding the future of the two players. This could take place either in Raipur or Visakhapatnam – venues for the second and third ODIs,” Jagran quoted a BCCI source as saying.

In fact, the relations have turned so tense between Ro-Ko and the decision-makers that during the Australia ODIs, Rohit and the BCCI chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, were not on good terms. It was the same series where Kohli, Rohit made their much-awaited return to Indian cricket for the first time since March, and to a certain extent, even excelled in their comebacks. The same is true for Kohli and Gambhir, who have had very limited conversation during the ongoing South Africa ODIs.

BCCI unhappy with excessive Gambhir bashing on social media

“During the Australia series, Rohit and Agarkar did not interact at all. Between then and now, even Kohli and Gambhir haven’t spoken much to each other. Besides, the manner in which fans of Kohli and Rohit are attacking Gambhir on social media has made the BCCI upset,” the report added.