In a heartwarming moment that resonated with cricket fans nationwide, longstanding rivals Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir shared an embrace during an IPL 2024 match in Bengaluru last month. However, Kohli’s recent remarks suggest that the public may not be entirely pleased with the resolution of the drama between the two Delhi stalwarts.
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir warmly hugs each other
The touching incident unfolded during a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where Kohli and Gambhir, now serving as KKR’s mentor, exchanged a hug and engaged in conversation during a strategic timeout. This gesture came just a year after a heated verbal spat between the two following a match between RCB and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in May 2023.
‘Tumhara masala khatam ho gaya’: Virat Kohli
During a recent Asian Paints event, Kohli shared his thoughts on the moment with Gambhir, expressing that some may be disappointed with his behaviour now that the animosity between them has subsided. Kohli humorously remarked, “Ye naa log bahut disappointed ho gaye hai mere behavior se. Naveen ke saath maine jhappi daal di, uss din Gauti bhai ne aake mere ko jhappi daal di, toh matlab tumhara masala khatam ho gaya toh ab. Abey bacche thodi naa hai yaar (People are disappointed with my behaviour. I hugged Naveen [ul-Haq] and Gauti [Gautam Gambhir] bhai also hugged me that day. So they have lost their masala. We are not kids.),” he said.
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In the same interview, Kohli offered insights into his match-day routine, highlighting the anticipation he feels when encountering fans just before entering the stadium.
“I think one thing that I have always looked forward to is the crowd that is there just before entering the stadium gate. That is because they get to see the players for the longest periods as the bus which is turning has to stop for the longest time,” he added.
RCB’s upcoming match
The Royal Challengers are set to take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in their next fixture. Despite Kohli’s exceptional form in the ongoing IPL edition, where he has already amassed 316 runs in five matches, including a century against Rajasthan Royals (RR), RCB have faced challenges, registering victory in only one out of their five matches thus far.
