Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, two cricketing stalwarts known for their intense rivalry during various IPL seasons, recently came together for an engaging conversation before the start of the first Test against Bangladesh. Their discussion not only dispelled any lingering rumors of discord but also offered a nostalgic look back at their memorable cricketing moments.
During their chat, Kohli and Gambhir reflected on how divine intervention played a role in their standout performances, particularly in pressure situations. Gambhir reminisced about Kohli’s remarkable 2014 tour of Australia, a series where Kohli scored 692 runs, including four centuries, at an average of 86.50. Gambhir revealed that Kohli had a unique ritual during that series: chanting ‘Om Namah Shivay’ before each delivery, which helped him stay focused and in the zone.
“I remember when you had that bumper series in Australia where you scored heaps of runs. You told me that you kept chanting ‘Om Namah Shivay’ before every delivery, and that got you into the zone. For me, it was the same when I played in Napier,” Gautam Gambhir shared.
Kohli’s 2014 series was pivotal, but Gambhir’s own legendary performance in Napier also came up in their discussion. Gambhir played an extraordinary innings, spending two and a half days at the crease to score 137 runs from 436 balls, a crucial effort in saving India from defeat against New Zealand.
WATCH – Gautam Gambhir Hints At India’s Playing XI For The First Test Against Bangladesh
“Looking back, can I bat for another two-and-a-half days? I don’t think I could have done that again. But the only thing I did throughout those two-and-a-half days was listen to the Hanuman Chalisa. It’s divine to be in that zone because only you can experience it,” Gautam Gambhir said.
The role of Om Namah Shivay & Hanuman Chalisa in the lives of Gautam Gambhir & Virat Kohli.
When in doubt, just look up to God & leave everything on him. You’ll cross the finishing line.
Om Namah Shivay! 🙏🏻
Credit: @BCCI pic.twitter.com/pXSsqJH2zR
— Prashant Kumar (@scribe_prashant) September 18, 2024
He recounted how, during his innings, he was so immersed in his concentration that he hardly spoke, even to his teammates. “I remember Laxman telling me that, after the first session on day five, he realized I hadn’t uttered a word for two hours, even between overs,” Gautam Gambhir continued. “When I got back, I just put on the Hanuman Chalisa and got back into my zone. For two and a half days, it was as if I was completely zoned out.”
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Gambhir’s innings was a testament to his endurance and skill. He faced 436 balls over ten hours and 43 minutes, sharing significant partnerships with Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and VVS Laxman. His resilience was instrumental in preventing India from an innings defeat, as New Zealand had set a daunting target after their first innings total of over 600 runs.
