“They Should Keep It Behind Their Back”: Ex-India Star on Virat Kohli-Gautam Gambhir IPL Row

A lot has been said about how the Gautam Gambhir-Virat Kohli relationship could evolve during Gambhir’s tenure as Team India’s head coach. The duo, who had a notable altercation during IPL 2023, have since moved past it. However, the discussion about their dynamic continues, especially as they will now be seen together for Team India, with Gambhir as the head coach and Kohli as a player. Their bond is of interest also because both Kohli and Gambhir are known for their intense, confrontational attitudes.

“Whatever happened in the IPL, they should keep it behind them. They are very senior cricketers and mature sportsmen,” Venkatapathy Raju told NDTV in an exclusive interview. “There will be a lot of discussions on social media. We should just leave them (Kohli and Gambhir),” added the former India cricketer.

Following Rahul Dravid’s departure as India’s head coach, Gambhir was seen as the prime candidate, especially considering his success in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the past 2-3 years. With Kohli also set to participate in India’s ODI series against Sri Lanka, it will mark the first time he will work with Gambhir in this new dynamic.

Both Gambhir and Kohli are known for their passionate approach to cricket. Whether as captains of opposing IPL teams or as senior figures in their respective franchises, they have had several intense interactions on the field. However, after Gambhir’s transition to a mentoring role at Kolkata Knight Riders, relations seemed cordial during an IPL 2024 match.

Recently, Gambhir stated that his relationship with Kohli is personal and not for public scrutiny. “Good for the TRP, but my relationship is not public. What kind of a relationship I share with Virat Kohli… I think it’s between two mature individuals,” Gambhir said at a press conference.

India’s three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka kicks off on July 27, followed by an ODI series of the same length. The series will be available for live streaming on SonyLIV and will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network channels. Venkatapathy Raju will be part of the Telugu commentary team for the series.