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When Gautam Gambhir was inevitably announced as the new Head Coach for India, one of the major talking points in the aftermath of his appointment was his dynamic with India’s batting lynchpin Virat Kohli. With their frosty relationship over the past few years out there for everyone to see, it was a question that was on everyone’s mouths whether the two Delhi men would be able to work for the larger good of Indian cricket by putting aside their differences.
As it turns out, Gambhir has given a clear indication of what his relationship with Kohli is at present, and what he expects of him in India colors as well. The new coach iterated that the relationship he shares with Kohli is one that is expected of “two mature humans”, he also doubled down on the motive of both being “on the same page” when it comes to representing the country.
“Good for the TRP, but my relationship is not public. What kind of relationship do I share with Virat Kohli, I think it is between two mature individuals.”
“On the field, everyone has got the right to fight for their own team, for their own jersey, and want to come back in a winning dressing room. But, at the moment, I think you are representing India and representing 140 crore Indians and I am sure we are going to be on the same page and try and make India proud.”
After an IPL match in 2013, during which Gambhir was captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders, Kohli and Gambhir got into a fight. Later, during the IPL 2023, there was another incident with Gambhir as the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants.
Nonetheless, the two got along well in public during IPL 2024. Gambhir once claimed that “perception was far from reality” in response to a question regarding his friendship with Kohli.
Gambhir stated that he and Kohli had recently spoken, but he wished to withhold specifics.
“How many chats have I had with him, after my announcement or before my announcement, during the games, after the games – I think sometimes just because we want headlines – it is not important.”
“He is a thorough professional, he is a world-class athlete, he is a world-class player. I have always said that. I have huge respect for him as a player and it is going to continue. And hopefully we can work together really well.”
The next 50-over World Cup won’t happen until 2027, thus Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who gave up T20I cricket after India won the World Cup last month, have been selected for the ODI side to travel Sri Lanka. However, both players are over 35. For what duration will they exist? The two players will have to make that decision, but Gambhir believes they “have a lot of cricket left in them” if they “can keep their fitness”.
“I think they have shown what they can deliver on the big stage, whether it’s the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup as well,” Gambhir said. “One thing I can be very clear of is that both those guys have a lot of cricket left in them. More importantly, with the Champions Trophy [in 2025] and a big tour of Australia [in November 2024], obviously they would be motivated enough. And then, hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, the 2027 [ODI] World Cup as well.
“But looking at what Virat and Rohit can deliver, I think they still have a lot of cricket [left to play]. They’re still world-class players and obviously any team would want to have both of them for as long as possible.”