New Delhi: Asish Nehra has said Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli might have had verbal spats on the field but they remain united in the dressing room, adding he doesn’t foresee any conflict between the two in the Indian team.
New head coach Gambhir has taken charge of the Indian team in Sri Lanka where they will play in three T20Is in Pallekele followed by three ODIs in Colombo.
Kohli retired from T20Is following India’s World Cup win in the Caribbean last month but will join the team for the 50-over matches under Gambhir.
They have a history of verbal duels in the past in the Indian Premier League. When asked about their relationship, Gambhir recently said that it is not for public consumption and “not for TRPS”.
“We share a very good relationship off the field and we will continue to do that. But yes, to make it more public that what kind of a relationship (we have) I think is between two individuals,” he said before travelling to Sri Lanka.
Nehra also didn’t want to read too much into their past duels, as they are “passionate individuals”, who badly want to win.
“Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir are two very passionate individuals. Whenever they play for a team, they can turn up against the opposition. But, when they are together in a dressing room, they are together, united for the team. You’re talking about Virat Kohli, who has an experience of over 16-17 years, Gautam Gambhir is also experienced,” the Gujarat Titans coach said, as told to India Today.
“The things on the outside, people get an impression about it. It’s not just Gambhir and Kohli, there are so many players who have had on-field spats in the past, but when they play together for a team, they have done well as a player, as a coach-captain, as a coach and senior player.”
Nehra was certain Gambhir’s forthright style of communication and fiery temper is in contrast to Rahul Dravid’s reserved style, though it wouldn’t be a factor in dealing with Kohli.
“Gautam Gambhir is upfront, transparent which is great. He keeps it clear and speaks his mind. That’s very important. Yes, I agree, everybody has their own style (of coaching), to operate with the coach, captain and player. I don’t see any problem with these two and where they are in their careers,” the former India pacer said.
New India head coach Gautam Gambhir and star batter Virat Kohli have a history of verbal duels in the past in the Indian Premier League. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
