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Virat Kohli vs Gautam Gambhir: A Rivalry Reignited in IPL 2024

Kalyani Jha
29 Mar, 2024

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season is not just about thrilling matches but also about the intense rivalry between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, two stalwarts of Indian cricket who have shared a tumultuous history on and off the field.

Their journey began on a positive note as Virat Kohli joined the Indian team during the twilight of Gautam Gambhir’s career. The duo clicked well, often batting together at No.3 and delivering strong performances for Team India. In a display of camaraderie, Gambhir even relinquished his Man of the Match title to Kohli after a significant victory against Sri Lanka in 2009.

However, things took an ugly turn leading up to IPL 2012 and 2013. Reports emerged of friction between Kohli and Gambhir, with the senior player reportedly displeased with Kohli’s on-field demeanor and energy. The tension escalated during IPL 2013 when Gambhir gave a heated sendoff to Kohli, sparking a verbal exchange that required intervention from teammates.

The rivalry flared again in IPL 2015, marked by aggressive celebrations from Gambhir and a confrontation with Kohli. This incident resulted in Gambhir being fined for his actions. Their public disagreements continued in IPL 2023, with a heated exchange between Gambhir and Kohli after an on-field incident involving LSG’s Naveen-ul-Haq.

Even after retiring from cricket, Gambhir hasn’t shied away from expressing his displeasure towards Kohli and certain aspects of the cricketing ecosystem, often using media platforms to voice his opinions.

As KKR’s mentor and with Kohli leading RCB, their clash in IPL 2024 promises not just an exciting match but also a continuation of their storied rivalry, adding an extra layer of intrigue and drama to the IPL spectacle.