BCCI Hosts Exclusive Interview with Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Ahead of India-Bangladesh Test Series

New Delhi : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has organized a special interview between two of cricket’s strongest personalities, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, ahead of the highly anticipated India-Bangladesh Test series.

In the interview, released on Wednesday, Kohli and Gambhir candidly discussed their past, the intense rivalries they faced during the IPL, and how they’ve moved beyond the media and fan-driven narratives surrounding their on-field tensions.

The conversation between these cricket legends comes just days before the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. In the teaser shared by the BCCI, Kohli opened up about the long-standing tension between him and Gambhir, saying, "So, here we are. We’ve come a long way, and we’re putting an end to all the drama."

Smiling, Gambhir responded, "That’s a good way to start the conversation," leading both players to share a laugh together.

During the interview, Gambhir reminisced about Kohli's phenomenal performances in Australia, particularly highlighting his outstanding batting, which cemented his status as one of cricket’s greats. In turn, Kohli asked Gambhir how he managed to stay in the 'zone' amidst all the banter and on-field tension, sparking an insightful discussion on mental toughness in sports.

Gambhir, with a touch of humor, deflected the question back to Kohli, suggesting that Kohli might be better equipped to answer how external noise impacts a player's focus, given his own experience with on-field controversies.

The history between Kohli and Gambhir dates back to India’s 2011 World Cup victory, where both played crucial roles. Notably, during the tournament, Gambhir handed over his Player of the Match trophy to a young Kohli, marking the beginning of a bond between two highly competitive cricketers. However, their relationship on the field hasn’t always been smooth.

In 2013, the pair had a heated verbal altercation during an IPL match, a rivalry that only intensified a decade later in the 2023 IPL season. During that time, Gambhir, the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants, and Kohli, leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore, were involved in a fierce confrontation, leading to fines for both players.

Despite their past tensions, the two have recently shown signs of reconciliation. In 2024, during a match between Kolkata Knight Riders and RCB at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the duo was seen warmly embracing, signaling the end of their public disagreements. Since Gambhir’s appointment as India’s head coach, the pair has worked together to set aside their differences, fostering a strong rapport within the dressing room.