The Indian star batter Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir had engaged in on-field altercations has put an end to the long-standing tension between them.
On September 18, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted a teaser video on their X account. The full interview will be released soon on the BCCI’s official website.
The teaser introduces the interview as a very special interview promising an in-depth relationship between the thoughts of two cricket legends.
“I remember when you had that bumper series in Australia where you scored heaps and heaps of runs, and that got you in that zone,” said Gambhir.
A Very Special Interview 🙌
Stay tuned for a deep insight on how great cricketing minds operate. #TeamIndia’s Head Coach @GautamGambhir and @imVkohli come together in a never-seen-before freewheeling chat.
You do not want to miss this! Shortly on https://t.co/Z3MPyeKtDz pic.twitter.com/dQ21iOPoLy
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 18, 2024
Referring to Virat Kohli’s memorable performance which made him one of the greatest recalling his remarkable test innings in Napier.
“For me, it was exactly the same when I played in Napier… I have never been in that zone ever in my life after that. So I can imagine how good that feeling is to be in that zone.”
Kohli responded that external factors such as interactions with the opposition can affect a player’s mindset.
“When you’re batting and you have a bit of a chat with the opposition, did you ever feel like this might carry on to you going out of the zone and potentially getting out, or did it put you in a more motivated space?” Kohli inquired.
Gautam Gambhir highlighted Kohli’s more frequent on-field altercations and responded with a lighthearted gesture. “You had more altercations than I have. You can answer that question better than I can.”
This humorous back-and-forth demonstrated the ease between the two, who have often been portrayed as having a tense relationship, especially after their infamous clash during an IPL match in the 2013 season.
Kohli embraced the banter and reflected on his perspective saying, “I am looking for someone who agrees with my opinion. I am not saying that it’s wrong. I am looking for someone to say, ‘Yes, this is the right way.'” In a more serious tone, he added, “We’ve come a long way, and we’re putting an end to all the masala and all the spice.”
The Indian team is preparing for the home tests against Bangladesh and the first test of the series will begin on September 19 at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
