India head coach Gautam Gambhir has finally addressed his much-discussed relationship with Virat Kohli — a dynamic that has often been viewed as one of cricket’s most high-profile rivalries. From their heated exchange during an IPL match in 2013 to another fiery confrontation a decade later in 2023, their on-field clashes have fueled headlines and ignited debates across social media. But according to Gambhir, all that drama is now a thing of the past.
Speaking candidly in an interview with CNN-News18, Gambhir explained that those intense moments were simply part of the competitive nature of the game. “I love that when it’s all for the TRP, it’s all for the views, it’s all for the promotions,” Gautam Gambhir said with a wry smile. “When you’re playing for two different teams, everyone has a right to fight for their own team.”
Now that the two are united in national colours, the dynamics have shifted dramatically. As head coach and senior player, Gambhir and Kohli are aligned in their mission — winning for India.
ALSO READ: Mohammed Shami Breaks Silence On Fitness Concerns and England Test Series Hopes
“Everything is fine between me and Virat,” Gautam Gambhir confirmed, laying to rest years of speculation. “Everyone has the right to fight for their own jersey and return to a winning dressing room. When you’re playing for the same team, the only thing that matters is the result.”
Gambhir, known for his intensity on the field, also emphasised that he doesn’t carry grudges. In fact, he revealed that some of the fiercest confrontations he’s had in his career were followed by warm, respectful interactions off the field.
Gautam Gambhir clears the air, confirms nothing wrong between Virat Kohli and him👏
Gambhir said that his bond with Kohli went beyond the dynamics of TRP or promotions🙌
Read more ⏬ https://t.co/pEgwb076Tm
— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) May 24, 2025
“I won’t name names, but I’ve had some really heated exchanges on the field. And we’ve had dinner together after the game,” he said. “Whatever happens during the match stays there. Once it’s over, everything returns to normal.”
This mature and composed version of Gambhir reflects the evolution of a cricketer who once wore his emotions on his sleeve. He’s now a leader focused on building unity, extracting the best out of his players, and maintaining professionalism both on and off the field.
ALSO READ: Pat Cummins Fined ₹12 Lakh for Slow Over-Rate After SRH’s Win Over RCB
As Gambhir readies India for the high-stakes five-Test series in England, the spotlight is once again on him — but this time as a mentor. The squad is set to be announced on May 24, and with Gambhir at the helm, fans can expect a fiercely competitive yet harmonious team dynamic. The message is clear: past altercations are history. Gambhir and Kohli are united by the bigger goal — bringing glory to Indian cricket.
