Xtra Time Web Desk: Sunil Gavaskar humorously suggested that Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s star batsman, Virat Kohli, and Kolkata Knight Rider’s team mentor, Gautam Gambhir, deserved an ‘Oscar’ for their apparent reconciliation at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in match of IPL 2024.
During the second strategic time-out in the first innings, Kohli and Gambhir exchanged a warm hug and shook hands, prompting Gavaskar’s jest. Kohli’s unbeaten 83 off 59 deliveries contributed significantly to Bengaluru’s total of 182 for 6 in the first innings.
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Speaking on commentary, Gavaskar joked that Kohli and Gambhir should be given an Oscar for their hug in Bengaluru.
“Kohli and Gambhir should get not just the fair play award, but maybe an Oscar award as well,” said Gavaskar.
The camaraderie between Kohli and Gambhir contrasts sharply with their past conflicts, notably during an IPL 2023 match between Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Gaints. This incident marked a resurgence of their rivalry, which initially flared up in 2013 when Gambhir, captaining Kolkata, and Kohli, leading Bengaluru, engaged in a heated argument, even resorting to physical confrontation before teammates intervened.
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Their rivalry reignited in 2023 when Kohli clashed with Afghanistan’s pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, who represents Lucknow. Following the match, Gambhir instructed his players to avoid engaging with Kohli and even confronted the Indian batsman, only to be restrained by Lucknow players.