"Good for the TRP..." - Gambhir on his relationship with Kohli

India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has opened up about his relationship with Virat Kohli, saying he shares a “very good relationship off the field” with the former Indian captain. Kohli has announced his retirement from T20Is but is part of India’s ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour. 

The two Delhiites have had multiple verbal clashes in the Indian Premier League. They went after each other in the 2013 edition when Gambhir was Kolkata Knight Riders' captain. Then, in IPL 2023, Kohli, who was playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gambhir, who was the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants, were seen going after each other. 

A year later, however, the duo were seen hugging each other when KKR met RCB in the group stage. 

Talking about his relationship with Kohli, Gambhir said: “Good for the TRP, but my relationship is not public. What kind of a relationship I share with Virat Kohli… I think it’s between two mature individuals. On the field, everyone has got the right to fight for their own jersey and come back to a winning dressing room.

“But at the moment, we’re representing India, representing 140 crore Indians and I’m sure we’re going to be on the same page and try and make India proud. I share a very good relationship off the field and will continue to do that. But yes, to make it more public what kind of a relationship… I think it’s between two individuals.”

Also read - Looking at Kohli and Rohit, they have a lot of cricket left: Gambhir

Gambhir also revealed that he has regularly been in touch with Kohli since being appointed India’s head coach. “I’ve had a lot of chats with him… we’ve shared messages. It’s not important what we discussed, how many chats have I had with him, after my announcement or before my announcement or during the game, after the games,” he said.

“Sometimes, just because we want headlines, it’s not important. Right now, the most important thing is we both are going to be working extremely hard to make India proud. And that’s our job.

"He is a thorough professional, he is a world-class athlete, he is a world-class player. I have always said that. I have huge respect for him as a player and it is going to continue. And hopefully, we can work together really well."

India will play all three ODIs against Sri Lanka at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 2, 4 and 7.

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