Ananya Lohia , New Delhi - Rumours of a rift between Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir were put to rest after the two were seen interacting warmly ahead of the third ODI against England at Lord's.

The speculation had intensified after Kohli and Gambhir were rarely seen together during training sessions following Kohli's Test retirement. However, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak dismissed the rumours, saying the two had spoken several times and did not need anyone to act as a bridge between them.

Ahead of the series decider, Kohli and Gambhir were seen chatting before the toss and during the Indian team's visit to the High Commission. Their interaction comes amid ongoing speculation over the Indian dressing room atmosphere following the Test retirements of Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

With the three-match ODI series level at 1-1, India's focus now shifts to the deciding match against England, while the public display of camaraderie between Kohli and Gambhir has eased speculation over an alleged dressing room rift.