The on-field spat between Virat Kohli and former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir is not a secret. Gambhir, who is known for his straightforward statements recently won hearts following his comment on Kohli’s 50th ODI century, which the latter achieved during the recently concluded ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Kohli achieved his record-breaking 50th ton in the 50-over format against New Zealand during the semi-final match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Prior to the third and final ODI between South Africa and India, Gambhir was asked the name of the bowler in whose over Kohli achieved the remarkable feat.
“Lockie Ferguson. Ye aap baar baar dikhana, mujhe sab kuch yaad rehta hai. Ladai meri sirf on the field hai (Please show this clip again and again, I remember everything. My fight is only on the field),” Gambhir was heard saying during a chat with the Star Sports.
Kohli 🤝 Gambhir
That smile at the end tho 😄pic.twitter.com/jSXz2xFUE6
— Ishan Joshi (@ishanjoshii) December 23, 2023
The heated argument between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli took place during the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Kohli and LSG fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq had been involved in a spat on the field. After the match, the incident went to another level as Gambhir, who was serving as LSG’s mentor intervened in the chat between Kohli and Naveen. Notably, both Gambhir and Kohli got involved in a fight earlier in IPL 2013 as well.
Gambhir, who has been named as the mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the forthcoming edition of the IPL, further spoke about the signing of Mitchell Starc. The Ace Australian speedster is the most expensive player in the IPL 2024 auction as he was bought by the two-time champions for a whopping INR 24.75 crore.
“He (Starc) is an X-factor, there is no doubt about that. Someone who can bowl with the new ball, bowl in the death overs, and more importantly, someone who can lead the attack,” Gambhir, who was present at the auction, said.