Piyush Chawla describes a perfect Virat Kohli - Gautam Gambhir incident

Fifteen years ago, Gautam Gambhir made headlines when he handed over his Player of the Match award to a young Virat Kohli, who had just scored his maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka. This gesture was a heartfelt endorsement of Kohli’s budding talent and demonstrated Gambhir’s appreciation for the emerging star. However, since that moment, instances of camaraderie between the two Delhi cricketers have been sparse. With Gambhir’s recent appointment as India’s head coach, he has addressed their complex relationship and the occasional tension that has surfaced over the years. Gambhir acknowledged that both he and Kohli are intensely passionate about their game, which has sometimes led to on-field clashes. He referred specifically to their well-documented disputes during the IPL seasons of 2013 and 2023 as examples of their competitive natures. Despite these conflicts, Gambhir emphasized that such interactions are a normal part of cricket, especially when driven by the desire to excel and lead their respective teams to victory.

Gambhir's candid remarks underscore the reality of high-stakes cricket where rivalries and conflicts can arise, even among teammates. His role as head coach will likely involve navigating these dynamics while fostering a unified team spirit. As both cricketers move forward, their shared history and professional rivalry add depth to their relationship, reflecting the intense passion that defines cricket at its highest level.

Piyush Chawla, the former Indian cricketer who has played alongside both Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, recently shared an intriguing anecdote about Gambhir's leadership during their time with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Chawla recounted how Gambhir, then the captain of KKR, was instrumental in nurturing young talent within the team. He recalled instances where Gambhir went out of his way to support and mentor emerging players, providing them with valuable opportunities to prove themselves.

Chawla highlighted Gambhir's genuine commitment to fostering a positive environment for young cricketers, emphasizing how the veteran captain’s encouragement and guidance significantly contributed to their growth. This anecdote not only sheds light on Gambhir's leadership qualities but also reflects the supportive and empowering approach he adopted towards his teammates. Such stories add depth to the understanding of Gambhir's character and his role in shaping the careers of young cricketers, including Kohli, during their shared journey in the cricketing world.

"You know what the best thing about Gauti bhai is? He will motivate you, give you a free hand and the way he backs you. If he sees that talent in you, he will back you even if you don't do anything in all 14 games. If you can do it, he will back you which is a brilliant thing for any player," stated former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla in Shubhankar Mishra's podcast.

"I played under him for 4-5 years – in fact we played for India and India A together – the way he appears on the ground, aggressive and all, off it he is equally polite. The amount of fun I have interacting with him it just amazing. Gauti bhai, one of the best humans I have come across," he added. 

In another instance showcasing Gautam Gambhir's remarkable humility, Piyush Chawla recounted an incident that clarified any doubts about the relationship between Gambhir and Virat Kohli. Chawla described a situation where, despite their on-field rivalries and intense competition, Gambhir demonstrated a deep sense of respect and camaraderie towards Kohli. The incident highlighted Gambhir's ability to rise above personal differences and maintain a professional and supportive stance. Chawla noted that Gambhir's actions reflected his genuine character and dedication to the team, reinforcing the idea that, despite their past conflicts, both players shared a mutual respect. This story not only underscores Gambhir's humility but also his commitment to fostering a positive team environment, irrespective of individual disagreements.

The incident effectively dispelled any lingering uncertainties about the nature of Gambhir and Kohli's relationship, showcasing that their on-field rivalry was just part of the competitive spirit, and that behind the scenes, there was an underlying respect and acknowledgment of each other's contributions to the game.

"I and Gauti bhai were doing a show. A question was asked, 'when Virat completed his 50th century, which bowler did he take the single off? I couldn't answer it, but Gambhir did it. He's like, 'now don't say there's any tiff. Gauti bhai is all class. He is one of the best," Chawla concluded.