What Will Happen When Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir Meet For The India vs Sri Lanka ODI Series?

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir have often been at the center of controversies, largely due to their on-field verbal altercations in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Their intense rivalry began during the 2013 IPL season when Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore faced Gambhir's Kolkata Knight Riders. The confrontation, marked by their fiery exchanges, became a defining moment in their careers. This clash of tempers was further fueled in the 2023 IPL season when Gambhir, now mentoring the Lucknow Super Giants, and Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore faced off once again, reigniting the feud.

Despite the tensions and ongoing animosity that characterized their previous encounters, recent developments have marked a significant shift. Gambhir, who had previously been a fierce competitor on the field, was appointed as the Head Coach of the Indian cricket team. This new role has positioned him to work closely with Kohli, who remains a prominent player in the Indian squad. Their history of disputes added an intriguing layer to their professional interaction.

In a surprising turn of events during the IPL 2024, Kohli and Gambhir put aside their past differences. The two were seen embracing each other and engaging in a heartfelt conversation, signaling a possible reconciliation. This gesture has sparked a broader discussion about their evolving relationship. Former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris commented on this development, suggesting that the true test of their camaraderie will unfold over time, highlighting the complex dynamics of their renewed association.

"Yeah, it's a really good question. I think it's wait and see. I don't think anyone can sit here and say it's gonna work that well or it's not gonna work. I think both players will just tap to bite their tongue a little bit and observe and watch the way that, in Virat's case, watch the way Gautam is looking to run the team and Gautham will be looking for Virat's leadership to help all the younger players,” Styris was quoted as saying by India Today. 

"So there's so much that we don't know about that relationship and how it's going to operate in a team with two different players having two different levels of power in that group as well. So I think they're both. Firstly, they're both terrific cricketers. They both have very good cricket brains. I think they'd both be smart enough to work out a way where it can be beneficial to the team and their performances," he added.

Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as the new captain for India’s T20I squad ahead of their tour to Sri Lanka. This series also marks Gautam Gambhir's debut as the team’s head coach. Under Gambhir’s guidance, India has performed impressively, securing victories in the first two matches of the three-game T20I series, thus taking a commanding 2-0 lead. As the T20I series progresses, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have retired from the T20 format, have arrived in Sri Lanka on July 29. They have come to join the Indian team for the upcoming ODI series. Their arrival adds to the anticipation of the next phase of the tour, where they will look to contribute their extensive experience to the ODI squad.