In a refreshing and unexpected moment for cricket fans, star India batter Virat Kohli and cricketer-turned-head coach Gautam Gambhir sat down for an engaging conversation ahead of the upcoming series against Bangladesh. The interaction, posted by the BCCI, provided insights into the minds of two players who have shared a complex relationship on and off the field, dispelling any lingering rumours of tension between them.
Reminiscing iconic cricket moments
The chat opened with Gambhir reflecting on memorable moments from their careers. He recalled Kohli’s exceptional series in Australia where he amassed runs effortlessly, comparing it to his own peak performance during a Test match in Napier.
“I remember when you had that bumper series in Australia where you scored heaps and heaps of runs,” Gambhir said, adding, “For me, it was exactly the same when I played in Napier… I could have never done that again. I have never been in that zone ever in my life after that.”
Kohli listened attentively, acknowledging the importance of being in the ‘zone,’ a term often used by athletes to describe their peak performance.
Discussing the mental state during intense matches
Kohli, known for his fierce competitiveness, took the conversation deeper into how mental state plays a crucial role during matches. He asked Gambhir, “When you’re batting and you have a bit of a chat with the opposition, did you ever feel like this might carry on to you going out of the zone and you potentially getting out, or did it put you in a more motivated space?”
Gambhir, known for his own intensity on the field, turned the question back on Kohli with a playful remark: “You had more altercations than I have. You can answer that question better than I can.” This humorous exchange highlighted the mutual respect and camaraderie between the two players.
Also READ: Top 5 run-scorers in India vs Bangladesh Test matches – September 2024
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir clear the air
The candid and lighthearted conversation addressed long-standing speculation about their relationship, often sensationalized by fans and media. Kohli, in a reflective moment, stated, “I am looking for someone who agrees with my opinion. I am not saying that it’s wrong. I am looking for someone to say, ‘Yes, this is the right way.’”
The interaction ended on a positive note, with Kohli remarking, “We’ve come a long way and put an end to all the masala and all the spice,” officially putting to rest any perceived tension between the two cricketing icons.
Here is the video:
A Very Special Interview 🙌
Stay tuned for a deep insight on how great cricketing minds operate. #TeamIndia’s Head Coach @GautamGambhir and @imVkohli come together in a never-seen-before freewheeling chat.
You do not want to miss this! Shortly on https://t.co/Z3MPyeKtDz pic.twitter.com/dQ21iOPoLy
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 18, 2024
Fans applaud the gesture
The video, which has been widely shared across social media platforms, has been well-received by fans, who appreciate the gesture from both Kohli and Gambhir in addressing the long-standing rumours. Their lighthearted exchange has sparked excitement ahead of the Bangladesh series, with fans looking forward to seeing both legends in action in their respective roles.
Also READ: Top 5 wicket-takers in India vs Bangladesh Tests
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