In a recent IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants, a heated exchange between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli took place, leading to both players being fined their full match fees. The altercation was witnessed by many, with opinions divided on whether the exchange was justified or not.
Eyewitnesses claim that the exchange was prompted by Mayers asking Kohli why he was constantly abusing their team, with Kohli in turn questioning why Mayers was staring at him. Before this, Amit Mishra had complained to the umpire about Kohli’s constant abuse of Naveen ul-Haq, a No. 10 batter. Gambhir intervened and told Mayers not to have a conversation, but when Kohli made a comment, a heated exchange followed.
Gambhir accused Kohli of abusing his player, which was like abusing his family. Kohli’s response was for Gambhir to take care of his family. The exchange ended with Gambhir saying, “So now I have to learn from you…”.
The incident was a reminder of a similar altercation between the two in 2013 when Kolkata Knight Riders were playing Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kohli was then a superstar-in-the-making and Gambhir was a shrewd captain at KKR. In 2023, Gambhir is a firebrand TV pundit and mentor of a franchise where he is the remote-control skipper, while Kohli remains the skipper of RCB in spirit.
Both players have been criticized for their behavior, with some saying the altercation was juvenile, and others appreciating the intensity of the rivalry. However, it is clear that both players have been carrying their own baggage of mutual dislike for each other.
The incident also highlights the complicated relationship between Gambhir and Kohli. While Gambhir is not a bad human being, he is not the easiest person to handle. Kohli, on the other hand, has been a staunch critic of Gambhir’s captaincy.
In the end, the altercation was another uncalled-for bust-up, and a rivalry from which no one came out smelling of roses. It is important for players to remember that they are role models for many young fans and should conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the spirit of the game.