Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir recently opened up about his relationship with former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli, following their heated exchange during the 16th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2023. Gambhir, who now serves as the mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), had a fiery confrontation with Kohli after RCB’s victory over LSG. This incident added another chapter to their already intense IPL rivalry, dating back to Gambhir’s tenure as the face of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise in IPL 2013. In a recent interview, Gambhir addressed the verbal spat, emphasizing that it was purely on-field and had no personal animosity attached. He also made an interesting comparison between his relationship with Kohli and legendary cricketer MS Dhoni.
Gautam Gambhir’s Relationship with Virat Kohli
The clash between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli during the IPL 2023 match between LSG and RCB sparked significant attention and speculation. As former teammates during India’s victorious 2011 World Cup campaign, their rivalry reached new heights on the IPL stage. However, Gambhir clarified that the verbal spat had nothing to do with personal differences. It was a battle of two fierce competitors who share a mutual desire to win. Gambhir highlighted that any argument or disagreement between them remains confined to the cricket field, with no lasting impact off the field.
Past Confrontations between Gambhir and Kohli
The heated exchange in IPL 2023 was not the first instance of conflict between Gambhir and Kohli. Back in 2013, when Gambhir led the KKR franchise, he and Kohli had an ugly face-off on the field. These incidents further fueled the intensity of their rivalry, attracting attention from fans and the media. However, Gambhir made it clear that such confrontations should be seen as part of the game and not carried beyond the boundaries of the cricket field.
Gambhir’s Perspective on the Verbal Spat
Gautam Gambhir’s recent interview shed light on his viewpoint regarding the altercation with Virat Kohli. He reiterated that there was no personal grudge or animosity involved. Gambhir emphasized that both he and Kohli possess an unwavering determination to win and that their clashes are a testament to their competitive spirits. In an eye-catching statement, Gambhir drew a parallel between his relationships with Kohli and Dhoni, stating that the dynamics remain the same for both players. He firmly believes that any argument or disagreement should remain confined to the cricket field, with no lingering effects off the field.
Kohli’s Heated Exchanges with Other Players
Aside from his altercation with Gambhir, Virat Kohli found himself involved in heated exchanges with other players during the IPL 2023. One such incident occurred when he had a confrontation with LSG pacer Naveen-ul-Haq. Additionally, Kohli engaged in a fiery discussion with Kyle Mayers, showcasing his fiery temperament on the field. These incidents further highlighted the aggressive nature of Kohli’s captaincy and his willingness to stand his ground.
Penalties Imposed on Gambhir and Kohli
As a result of their actions, both Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli were fined 100 per cent of their match fees for breaching Article 2.21 of the IPL code of conduct. The penalties imposed by the league demonstrated the importance of maintaining decorum and sportsmanship during matches. While the incident received widespread attention, Gambhir believes that such penalties should serve as a reminder to keep on-field arguments restricted to the game itself.
Gambhir’s Approach to On-field Fights
Gautam Gambhir has always been known for his fierce competitive spirit on the cricket field. He clarified that he has had numerous fights and arguments during his career, but he has always ensured that they remain within the realm of the game. Gambhir firmly believes that conflicts between players should be resolved on the field and not carried beyond it. He dismisses the need for clarifications or explanations for such incidents, as they are part of the game’s fabric and should not be blown out of proportion.
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Conclusion
Gautam Gambhir’s recent interview sheds light on his relationship with Virat Kohli and the verbal spat that occurred during the IPL 2023. Gambhir emphasized that the clash with Kohli was solely on-field and devoid of personal animosity. He compared his relationships with both Kohli and MS Dhoni, highlighting that any arguments or disagreements between them should stay within the cricket field. The incident serves as a reminder of the competitive spirit and intensity that accompanies high-profile cricket matches.
What sparked the verbal spat between Gambhir and Kohli?
The verbal spat between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli was sparked by the intense rivalry and competitive spirit between the two players during an IPL 2023 match between LSG and RCB.
Did Gambhir and Kohli resolve their differences?
While no specific information about resolving their differences is provided, Gambhir made it clear in his interview that any arguments or confrontations between him and Kohli remain confined to the cricket field.
How did other players react to the altercation?
The reactions of other players to the altercation between Gambhir and Kohli are not explicitly mentioned. However, it can be assumed that such incidents garner attention and discussions among players.
What penalties were imposed on Gambhir and Kohli?
Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli were fined 100 per cent of their match fees for breaching Article 2.21 of the IPL code of conduct.
How does Gambhir handle conflicts on the cricket field?
Gautam Gambhir believes that conflicts and arguments on the cricket field should be resolved within the boundaries of the game, with no need for clarifications or explanations outside the field.