Unraveling the Intense Rivalry of Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir
The Indian cricket team has seen several intense rivalries play out on and off the field. One such rivalry is between two of the team’s biggest stars, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. While both players have made significant contributions to Indian cricket, their relationship has been anything but amicable. Let’s take a closer look at the origins of their rivalry and decode their tumultuous relationship.
The Origins of a Fierce Rivalry: Kohli and Gambhir
The rivalry between Kohli and Gambhir can be traced back to the 2008 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both players were part of the same team, the Delhi Daredevils, and Kohli was seen as Gambhir’s junior. However, during a game against the Rajasthan Royals, Gambhir was dismissed early, and Kohli stepped up to the challenge, scoring a half-century. This sparked a conversation about Kohli being the next big thing in Indian cricket, which didn’t go down well with Gambhir.
Over the years, the rivalry continued to simmer, with both players vying for the same position in the Indian team. In 2013, Gambhir was dropped from the Indian team, and Kohli was appointed as the vice-captain. This further fueled the divide between the two players, with Gambhir making comments about Kohli’s leadership style. However, both players maintained a professional relationship on the field, often seen chatting and strategizing during matches.
Decoding the Tumultuous Relationship Between the Two Indian Cricket Stars
Off the field, the relationship between Kohli and Gambhir was anything but cordial. In his autobiography, Gambhir wrote about his strained relationship with Kohli, describing him as someone who had a lot of “attitude and ego.” He also mentioned an incident where he had a heated argument with Kohli during a match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013. However, in a 2019 interview, Kohli acknowledged that his relationship with Gambhir had improved over the years, stating that they had “buried the hatchet.”
Despite their tumultuous relationship, both Kohli and Gambhir have made significant contributions to Indian cricket. Kohli is one of India’s most successful captains, leading the team to several memorable victories. Gambhir, on the other hand, played a crucial role in India’s victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. While their rivalry may have played out in the media, both players have earned the respect and admiration of cricket fans around the world.
The rivalry between Kohli and Gambhir may have been intense, but it has also been a testament to the competitive spirit of Indian cricket. As the two players move on to the next phase of their careers, it’s refreshing to see that they have put their differences aside and buried the hatchet. Ultimately, their contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered long after their rivalry has faded into the background.
Here is more information on the recent spat in IPL 2023 between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir
