Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)
As India prepares for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, former India pacer Ashish Nehra has recently weighed in on the relationship between star batter Virat Kohli and the newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir. Both of them are preparing to share the Indian dressing room once again.
Kohli and Gambhir, both passionate cricketers with a history of on-field confrontations, particularly during IPL seasons, are set to reunite in the national setup.
Gambhir is set to begin his tenure as India’s coach during the Sri Lanka tour, where Kohli will be a key player in the ODI squad. Their past altercations have raised questions about their working relationship. However, Nehra has offered a reassuring perspective on the situation.
“Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir are two very passionate individuals. Whenever they play for a team, they can turn up against the opposition. But, when they are together in a dressing room, they are together, united for the team,” Nehra told Sports Tak.
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There are so many players who have had on-field spats in the past: Ashish Nehra
The former pacer highlighted the experience of both Kohli and Gambhir, suggesting that their professionalism would quash any past differences. Nehra pointed out that such on-field spats are common in cricket, and players often set aside personal issues when representing their country together.
“You’re talking about Virat Kohli, who has over 16-17 years of experience, and Gautam Gambhir is also experienced. The things on the outside, people get an impression about it. It’s not just Gambhir and Kohli, there are so many players who have had on-field spats in the past, but when they play together for a team, they have done well as players, as coach-captain, as coach and senior players,” added Nehra.
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Addressing Gambhir’s coaching style, Nehra praised his transparency and directness. Nehra also touched upon the broader context of coach-player relationships, acknowledging that everyone has a unique style of operation. However, he remained optimistic about Kohli and Gambhir’s ability to work together effectively
“Gautam Gambhir is upfront, transparent which is great. He keeps it clear and speaks his mind. That’s very important. Yes, I agree, everybody has their style (of coaching), to operate with the coach, captain, and player. I don’t see any problem with these two and where they are in their careers,” concluded the former pacer.