"They Should Keep It Behind Their Back": Ex-India Star On Virat Kohli-Gautam Gambhir IPL Row

27.07.2024 - 12:14 sports.ndtv.com

A lot has been said and talked about how the Gautam Gambhir-Virat Kohli relationship could be in the upcoming years during the former's reign as Team India's head coach.

The duo, who had a huge verbal fight during IPL 2023, have already moved through it. However, the chatter about their bond continues to persist as the two stars will now be seen together for Team India, one as a head coach and another as a player.

Another important reason for their relationship to be discussed is the fact that both Virat and Gambhir carry an in-your-face attitude. "Whatever happened in IPL, they should keep it behind their back.

They are very senior cricketers and they are mature sportsmen," Venkatapathy Raju told NDTV in an exclusive interview. "There will be be lot of discussions on social media.

cricket India Cricket Team Virat Kohli Gautam Gambhir India Sri Lanka

Mohammed Siraj was involved in a war of words with Sri Lanka's Kusal Medis during the India vs Sri Lanka third ODI at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday. In the follow-up, the India pacer claimed a wicket and the reaction of his teammate Virat Kohli could not miss the spotlight. The incident took place during Sri Lanka's batting. Siraj was brought back into the attack to bowl the 39th over. He bowled three consecutive dot balls to Mendis, with the last one witnessing him having a heated exchange with the batter. On the very next ball, Mendis got a single and Siraj then dismissed Sadeera Samarawickrama, who was facing his first ball in the game.

"He Isn't Foreign Coach": Ex-India Star's Blunt 'Kohli-Rohit Verdict' On Gautam Gambhir's Stance

The ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka were quite important from the perspective of the Indian cricket team as they were the first assignments of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Rahul Dravid's tenure as the head coach came to an end following the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph and Gambhir was announced right away to take over the role. The first team selection for the new head coach came with some new faces but the ODI squad included two experienced names, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While the tour of Sri Lanka was being seen as an opportunity to try new combinations with young talents, Gambhir insisted on including Kohli and Rohit. Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra was asked about the decision and he believes that including Rohit-Virat was not the right call.

"Gautam Gambhir Is A Kid": Childhood Coach Makes Stunning Relevation

Gautam Gambhir's childhood coach Sanjay Bharadwaj has said that people often confuse Gambhir's strive to win and achieve success with arrogance. Calling him a 'kid', Bharadwaj - who has shared a three-decade long association with Gambhir - came to the defence of his most famous disciple. Gambhir was recently appointed the head coach of Team India, after a title-winning IPL 2024 as mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders. Whilst Gambhir's clash of personalities with figures like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have been popularly portrayed, his coach believes he is misunderstood.

"Tik Nahi Payega": On Gautam Gambhir's Role, India's T20 World Cup-Winner Drops Bold Remark

Former India pacer Joginder Sharma feels Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach of the team might not be a long one, mainly because of his outspoken nature. Gambhir took over as head coach of the Indian team last month after Rahul Dravid tenure came to an end after the T20 World Cup in June. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in Gambhir's debut T20I series as head coach. On Friday, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returned to the side for the ODI series opener, which India drew to Sri Lanka after a thrilling finish.

Watch: Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli's Joy Turns Into Disbelief As India Fumble Easy Win

Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh were dismissed by Charith Asalanka off consecutive deliveries with India just one run away from victory as the first ODI encounter against Sri Lanka ended in a tie on Friday. Chasing a target of 231, India looked all set to clinch the victory with 1 run to win from 15 balls. On the third ball of the 48th over, Dube slammed Asalanka for a boundary and it prompted a huge celebration from Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir in the dressing room. However, things quickly changed as Dube was dismissed LBW on the very next ball and India had just one wicket remaining.

Gautam Gambhir's Reaction Says It All As Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Slam Bowlers For Fun. Watch

The two stalwarts of Indian cricket Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are back in the team for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Both of them will be playing an international game after a gap of one month. Virat and Rohit called time on their T20I careers after India's 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, but the duo remain available for the ODI and Test formats. India's first ODI against Sri Lanka will take place at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 2.