"Will make India proud…" Gautam Gambhir's big statement on working with 'Rival' Virat Kohli

Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli had shared a bittersweet relationship in the past.

India’s newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir has reflected on his relationship with Indian stalwart Virat Kohli and also made a big statement about working with him. 

A few days ago, BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of senior men’s Indian cricket team. Gambhir’s first major assignment with Team India will be an away white-ball tour against Sri Lanka, starting from July 27.

In the past, both Gambhir and Kohli had shared a bittersweet relationship. In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition, both had a heated argument during a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants.

In IPL 2024, both ended their past confrontations captured during a match between RCB and Kolkata Knight Riders. The duo also hugged each other and shared happy moments.

We’ve shared messages: Gambhir on his relationship with Virat Kohli

Ahead of the Indian cricket team’s departure for the Sri Lanka tour, Gautam Gambhir had his first press conference along with chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

During the press conference, Gambhir reflected on his relationship with Kohli. India head coach said that he will work on the same page with Virat Kohli and try to make India proud. Gambhir further added that he also shares a good relationship with Kohli and will continue to do that.

“On the field, everyone has got the right to fight for their own jersey and come back to a winning dressing room. But at the moment, we’re representing India, representing 140 crore Indians and I’m sure we’re going to be on the same page and try to make India proud. I share a very good relationship off the field [with Kohli] and will continue to do that. But yes, to make it more public what kind of a relationship… I think it’s between two individuals,” Gambhir said during the press conference ahead of Sri Lanka series.

Gambhir stressed that it’s all about headlines and the most important thing for him and Kohli is working extremely hard to make India proud.

“I’ve had a lot of chats with him. We’ve shared messages. It’s not important what we discussed, how many chats have I had with him, after my announcement (as coach) or before my announcement or during the game, after the games. Sometimes, just because we want headlines, it’s not important. Right now, the most important thing is we both are going to be working extremely hard to make India proud. And that’s our job,” Gambhir added.

India’s tour of Sri Lanka 2024: Full schedule and timings

Three-match T20I series:

July 27: First T20I, 7:00 PM IST

July 28: Second T20I, 7:00 PM IST

July 30: Third T20I, 7:00 PM IST

Three-match ODI series:

August 2: First ODI, 2:30 PM IST

August 4: Second ODI, 2:30 PM IST

August 7: Third ODI, 2:30 PM IST

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