In the lead-up to India’s Test series against Bangladesh, the internet was buzzing with a rare and friendly interaction between two of cricket’s fiercest competitors—Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. Both known for their aggressive style on the field, their recent conversation on BCCI.TV showed a softer, more friendly side. The chat covered their cricketing journeys, memories, and their shared love for the game, clearing up any past tensions.
A Friendly Chat That Took Everyone By Surprise
The interaction between Kohli and Gambhir became a major talking point on social media, particularly because the two had often been seen as rivals due to some on-field clashes in the past. However, the light-hearted conversation between them during the interview presented a completely different picture. Kohli, in his trademark cheeky style, said, “We are finishing all the masala here,” to which Gambhir responded with a laugh, saying, “This is a good start to the conversation.” Their laughter and camaraderie left fans surprised and relieved, showing that off the field, they share mutual respect.
Remembering the Early Days of Delhi Cricket
Kohli and Gambhir reminisced about their early cricketing days in Delhi. Kohli, who looked up to Gambhir when he was trying to make his way into the Indian team, shared how Gambhir and other senior players from Delhi inspired him. “At that time, there used to be Kotla Ek and Kotla Do (two nets at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium). We always wanted to be there with you guys,” Kohli said, recalling how he wanted to join the ranks of Delhi’s big names.
Gambhir, who was already an established player when Kohli entered the Indian team, remembered how the younger generation, including Kohli, pushed the seniors and brought healthy competition. Kohli reflected on how both of them shared a similar vision for the game, which laid the foundation for their success.
Kohli: A Torchbearer of Test Cricket
During the conversation, Gambhir praised Kohli for his contributions to Test cricket, calling him a torchbearer for the longest format of the game. He emphasized how important it is for India to have a strong Test team to inspire the next generation. “The challenge will always remain in how we inspire young cricketers. The stronger your Test team is, the stronger your cricket will be,” Gambhir stated. Both agreed on the importance of finding and nurturing the next generation of fast bowlers and spinners.
Kohli’s Strategy of Five Specialist Bowlers
One of the key moments in the discussion was when Gambhir credited Kohli for sticking to the strategy of playing with five specialist bowlers during his captaincy. This decision helped India become one of the top Test teams in the world. Gambhir remarked that the future success of Indian cricket will heavily depend on the quality of bowlers produced in the coming years. “We will always produce quality batsmen, but a lot will depend on the next generation of bowlers,” Gambhir said. This insight reflected how both former captains see the future of Indian cricket.
The Aggression: A Shared Trait
A funny moment in the chat came when Kohli asked Gambhir about his many heated exchanges with opposition players during matches. Gambhir laughed and turned the question back on Kohli, saying, “You have had many arguments yourself. Maybe you can answer this better.” Both agreed that while their aggressive personalities sometimes led to confrontations on the field, it also pushed them to perform better. Gambhir added, “I don’t want the current players to change at all,” encouraging them to keep their intensity alive.
Faith and Focus: Hanuman Chalisa and Om Namah Shivay
One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation was when both players shared how their faith in God helped them stay calm during tough moments on the field. Gambhir recalled reading the Hanuman Chalisa while batting for two days in a Test against New Zealand to save the game in Napier. Similarly, Kohli shared how he chanted “Om Namah Shivay” while batting during his memorable tour of Australia in 2014, where he scored four centuries. These moments of faith and belief helped them maintain focus and keep their minds steady during critical matches.
This candid conversation between two of India’s biggest cricket stars showed a side of them that fans rarely get to see—two individuals driven by passion, love for the game, and mutual respect. It was a refreshing change for fans who are used to seeing Kohli and Gambhir in their aggressive, competitive avatars on the cricket field.
