On Rohit and Kohli: “Obviously every team would want to have both of them for as long as possible.”
Abhimanyu Bose
Gambhir: “Every team would love to have Rohit and Kohli”
“Looking at what Virat and Rohit bring to the table, I think they still have cricketing muscle. [left to play]”
Gautam GambhirHis tenure as India’s new coach begins with a tour of Sri Lanka later this month, but there will be plenty of on-field clashes. Virat Kohli He said there had been feuds between the two in the past but that their relationship was “between two mature people” and was not discussed publicly, and that the two were “like-minded” when it came to their shared goal of making the men’s national team successful.
“It’s good for TRP but my relationship has not been made public,” Gambhir said when asked about Kohli at his first press conference since taking up the role on Monday. “What is the relationship between me and Virat Kohli, I think it is a relationship between two mature people.”
“On the field, everyone has the right to fight for their team, for their jersey and they want to go back to the dressing room with a win. But at the moment, I think we are representing India and representing 1.4 billion Indians. We will be on the same page and try to make India proud.”
“We have a very good relationship off the field and will continue to do so. However, we would like to be more public about our relationship. [we have] I think it’s a matter between two individuals.”
Kohli and Gambhir had an altercation during an IPL match in 2013, when Gambhir was the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders. Later, there was another incident when Gambhir was the coach of Lucknow Supergiants. In IPL 2023Gambhir was seen silencing the crowd at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations after LSG’s one-run win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while Kohli did the same during RCB’s win in the return match at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Kohli and Gambhir eventually had to be separated by bystanders.
However, the two maintained a friendly relationship in public during IPL 2024. When asked about his relationship with Kohli, Gambhir said, “I am a very good player.Perception was far from realityWhen asked about it during the season, Kohli said, “I hugged Naveen. [ul-Haq, with whom he had an altercation in IPL 2023]And the other day, Gauti by They came and hugged us…we’re not kids anymore.”
Gambhir said he had spoken to Kohli recently but did not want to divulge details.
“How many times have I spoken to him before I made the announcement on behalf of the team, before making the announcement, during the match, after the match. I don’t think it matters just because sometimes you want headlines,” Gambhir said. “The most important thing right now is that we both have to work hard to make India proud. That’s our job.”
“He’s a thorough professional, a world-class athlete, a world-class player. I’ve always said that. I have a lot of respect for him as a player and that will continue to be the case. And I hope we can work well together.”
Gambhir backs Rohit and Kohli to play in 2027 ODI World Cup
Kohli and Rohit SharmaHe retired from T20Is after India’s World Cup victory last month. Sri Lanka touring ODI squadBut both are over 35 and the next 50-over World Cup is only until 2027. How long can they play? Gambhir leaves that decision up to the duo but feels they can still “play cricket for a long time” if they “stay fit”.
“I think they have shown what they can do on the big stage, be it the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup,” Gambhir said. “What I can say for sure is that there is still plenty of cricket left for both of them and more importantly, in the Champions Trophy. [in 2025] And a big tour to Australia [in November 2024]Clearly they will have plenty of motivation. And if they can keep up their fitness, they could win in 2027. [ODI] And the World Cup too.
“But it’s a very personal decision. We don’t know how much cricket they have left. Ultimately, it’s up to them, it’s up to the players, how much they can contribute to the success of the team, because at the end of the day, it’s the team that matters.”
“But when you look at what Virat and Rohit bring to the table, I think they still have the cricketing muscle. [left to play]They remain world-class players and it’s clear that every team would want to keep them both in their squad for as long as possible.”
Abhimanyu Bose is Associate Editor at ESPNcricinfo.
