• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 05/30/2024
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When Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir shared a warm embrace during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), it put an end to years of speculation and trolling about their relationship. Kohli, representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Gambhir, mentoring Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), showcased a renewed camaraderie that surprised many fans and critics alike.

Gambhir Leads KKR to Third IPL Title

Under Gambhir’s mentorship, KKR, led by Shreyas Iyer, emerged as the champions of IPL 2024. They clinched the title after a dominant performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final, ending the defending champions Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) hopes of retaining the trophy. This victory marked KKR’s third IPL title and positioned Gambhir as a strong candidate for the Indian cricket team’s head coach role, with Rahul Dravid set to step down after the ICC T20 World Cup.

Reflecting on the season, Gambhir highlighted some standout moments. He praised Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking opening partnership and Mayank Yadav’s impressive spell. Additionally, he commended RCB’s remarkable performance, where they secured six consecutive wins to qualify for the playoffs.

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Gambhir emphasized that his relationship with Kohli is private. “The perception is far away from the reality. My relation with Virat Kohli is something this country doesn’t need to know. He has as much right as I do to express himself and help our respective teams win. Our relation is not to give masala to the public,” Gambhir stated.

Also read Why MS Dhoni Is Not Eligible for India Head Coach Job

Kohli’s Take on Their Interaction

Virat Kohli, who topped the batting charts in IPL 2024 with 741 runs in 15 games and won the Orange Cap, also spoke about his interactions with Gambhir. Kohli recalled a specific incident: “People are very disappointed with my behaviour. I hugged Naveen, and the other day, Gauti bhai came and hugged me. Your masala is over so you’re booing. We’re not kids anymore,” Kohli mentioned at an event organized by Asian Paints.

Kohli’s performance in IPL 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. Leading the batting charts, his contributions were pivotal for RCB throughout the tournament. As he prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup, fans and experts alike are eager to see if he can carry this form into the international arena.

Following his successful stint with KKR, Gambhir is seen as a frontrunner to take over as India’s head coach. His tactical acumen and leadership skills have been widely recognized, and many believe he could bring a fresh perspective to the national team. However, the final decision from the BCCI is still pending.