To elaborate on the relationship between the newly appointed India head coach Gautam Gambhir and the Indian former skipper and star cricketer Virat Kohli, the two used to fight on the field, but off-field they respect each other and even discuss how to improve as a team.
As far as the cricketing rivalry between the two players is concerned, there have been several instances, especially in the IPL, of Gambhir and Kohli clashing on the field. In this regard, their barbs and confrontational tone, as well as their physical presence as players on the field, became the object of fixation among the media and fans. Nevertheless, in a recent conversation, Gambhir cleared the air that there is much more to their acquaintance than these public face-offs, and the two have a very cordial and professional relationship that involves respect and understanding.
In his first press conference after he was appointed the head coach of the Indian cricket team, Gambhir was asked questions about him and Kohli. He said that they were always personal communications and never for public view or for airing on television. “What Kohli and I have is mutual respect, and it’s none of TRP’s business,” Gambhir shared.
A Positive Professional Relationship Between Gambhir And Kohli
Gambhir agreed that they have always shared a rapport, even though there have been embarrassing squabbles between him and Virat Kohli. Yes, it is the new head coach of the Indian cricket team who refuted this notion by stressing the professional relationship that both of them have for the betterment of Indian cricket. Gautam stated:
But yes, to make it more public, what kind of relationship? I think it’s between two individuals. I’ve had a lot of chats with him (Kohli), and we’ve shared messages.
He emphasized the point that even though the media looks for catchy headlines, the aim should be to strive for the betterment of Indian cricket. He further added:
Sometimes, to make headlines, it is not a necessity. Today, the most important thing is that both of us will be giving our best in the upcoming years to make India proud, and that is our responsibility.
The Future of Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Gambhir also talked about the future vision of key players Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Indian team. He thanked both players for the productive efforts they have shown internationally, no matter the type of World Cup tournament, whether it be the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup. The new coach said:
I believe they have demonstrated what they have in them to perform under pressure for the T20 World Cup or the 50 over the World Cup.
Indian team head coach Gambhir also echoed the same feeling and said he was sure Kohli and Sharma still have a lot of cricket in them. He also named the impending Champions Trophy and a very tough tour of Australia as some of the incentives likely to be used to encourage the players. He added:
What I am equally certain of is that both those guys have a lot of cricket remaining in them.
Moving forward, Gambhir admitted that fitness will play a big part for Kohli and Sharma in the future, particularly at the 2027 World Cup. The head coach stated:
Moreover, they have the Champions Trophy and a big tour of Australia, and obviously, they must be motivated enough; if they can maintain their fitness, they have the 2027 World Cup also. But this is a very personal decision.
It is in the minds of the fans of the cricketing world that to reach a certain level of sportsmanship like Kohli and Sharma, they had to endure very tough conditions, criticism, and hardship. After going through all these situations, they are called the cricket icons. It will be interesting to see how the next few years pan out for the two superstars and if they will be available for future ICC events.
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