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Key Points

Gautam Gambhir has clarified that his relationship with Virat Kohli remains strong despite their on-field arguments. He dismissed media speculation about their feud as a tactic to boost TRPs. Gambhir praised Kohli’s fitness and contributions to Indian cricket, even joking about their shared Delhi roots. The Indian head coach emphasized that off-field friendships don’t need public validation.

Key Points: Gambhir Calls Virat Kohli a Friend Despite On-Field Spats

  • Gambhir denies rift with Kohli despite past heated exchanges
  • Calls media speculation a TRP tactic
  • Praises Kohli’s fitness and legacy
  • Jokes about their Delhi connection
2 min read

We are friends, people have said lot for TRP: Gambhir on his relationship with Virat Kohli

Gautam Gambhir dismisses feud rumors with Virat Kohli, calling him a friend and praising his fitness and contributions to Indian cricket.

"We were friends, we are friends, and we are going to stay friends. – Gautam Gambhir"

New Delhi, May 6

India head coach Gautam Gambhir opened up about the bond he shared with batting stalwart and his "friend" Virat Kohli.

Gautam and Virat have had a history of engaging in heated arguments on the field, which have sparked rumours about the relationship status between the duo.

The rumours spiked especially after their animated interaction during a fixture between the Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.

During the group stage encounter between both sides, Gambhir, who was serving as LSG mentor, was involved in a fiery exchange with Virat. It all began with the RCB batting maestro, and Naveen had a heated exchange when players from both teams shook hands after the match.

Moments later, Gambhir was seen animatedly speaking to Virat. Other players, including then LSG skipper KL Rahul and support staff, were seen separating the two.

While speaking at the ABP News Summit on Tuesday, the Indian head coach clarified that people said a lot to gain TRP out of their heated exchange.

"We were friends, we are friends, and we are going to stay friends. On the field, when you represent two different teams, you have the right to fight for your side. But off the field, the relationship you share, everyone doesn't need to know it. People have said a lot to gain TRP. More importantly, we should love what he has done for Indian cricket," Gambhir said.

Gambhir went on to jokingly describe his relation with Virat and said that the would ask the BCCI to stop posting about them on social media and said, "It's just two Delhi boys having fun. If that's a problem, I'll tell the BCCI to stop posting about it."

He even admitted that if he had the opportunity to enter someone's body for a single day, it would be Virat because of his incredible fitness level.

"If I could enter a cricketer's body, it would be Virat Kohli, because he is the fittest player on the team," he added.

Since Gambhir took over the head coach role from Rahul Dravid, a new dawn began in Indian cricket. There were various lows that the team endured but defied all the odds to lift the Champions Trophy earlier this year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Gambhir is absolutely right! On-field aggression is part of the game. As Delhi boys, they understand each other well. Media always blows things out of proportion for TRP. Focus should be on their contributions to Indian cricket 🇮🇳🏏
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Priya M.
Love how Gambhir handled this! Shows maturity. But honestly, that IPL fight was quite intense na? 😅 Still, their professional rivalry makes cricket more exciting. Hope they continue bringing trophies for India!
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Amit S.
While I appreciate Gambhir's clarification, such public spats don't set a good example for young cricketers. Senior players should maintain decorum. The 'Delhi boys' explanation feels a bit casual for national icons.
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Sunita R.
Typical media making masala out of nothing! These players give their blood and sweat for India, and we focus on their arguments? Gambhir as coach + Kohli's experience = perfect combo for World Cup! 💪
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Vikram J.
Haha, only Gambhir can say "I want to be in Kohli's body" and make it about fitness! 😂 Jokes aside, their competitive spirit is what Indian cricket needs. Hope this partnership brings us more ICC trophies!

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