The IPL 2024 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders witnessed a heartwarming moment as Bengaluru’s batter, Virat Kohli, and Kolkata’s team mentor, Gautam Gambhir, seemingly put an end to their feud from the previous season.
Amidst the intense action at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Kohli and Gambhir surprised fans by sharing a warm hug and shaking hands during a strategic time-out in the first innings. By then, Kohli had already showcased his batting prowess by smashing his 52nd IPL half-century, aiming to take Bengaluru to a commanding total.
WATCH: Gambhir warm hug with Virat in Bengaluru
However, this display of sportsmanship stands in stark contrast to the bitter rivalry that unfolded between Kohli and Gambhir during IPL 2023. The animosity traces back to 2013 when Gambhir, then captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, and Kohli, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru, engaged in a heated on-field argument, even resorting to pushing each other before being separated by teammates.
In the 2023 IPL season, tensions flared once again during Bengaluru’s league-stage match against Lucknow when Kohli clashed with Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq.
Gambhir, the mentor of the Kolkata franchise, intervened fiercely, urging his players to avoid interacting with Kohli and even charging at the Indian batting maestro before being restrained by Lucknow players.
Gambhir defended his actions post-match, emphasizing his commitment to standing up for his players. He asserted that his actions were not specific to Naveen-ul-Haq but rather a reflection of his duty to support his team.
Gambhir criticized the notion that players with a greater social media presence should hold sway over others, reaffirming his belief in fair treatment for all players on the field.
As Kohli and Gambhir exchanged pleasantries during the IPL 2024 encounter, it signaled a potential thawing of their icy relationship, offering hope for a more harmonious dynamic between the two cricketing stalwarts. Their gesture serves as a reminder of the spirit of sportsmanship that transcends on-field rivalries, leaving fans hopeful for a future marked by mutual respect and camaraderie.