Star Indian batter Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir sat down for an engaging conversation ahead of the Bangladesh series, putting an end to the long-standing ‘masala’ surrounding their rumored tension. The interview posted by BCCI on its official social media handle, opened with Gambhir recalling key moments in Kohli's career, particularly his stellar run in Australia.
"I remember when you had that bumper series in Australia where you scored heaps and heaps of runs, and that got you in that zone," Gambhir said, referencing Kohli's memorable performances that solidified his status as one of the game's finest. Gambhir then drew parallels with his own experience, reminiscing about a remarkable Test innings in Napier. "For me, it was exactly the same when I played in Napier... I have never been in that zone ever in my life after that. So I can imagine how good that feeling is to be in that zone."
Kohli, in response, focused on how external factors such as interactions with the opposition can affect a player's mindset. He asked Gambhir whether having a chat with opponents ever led him out of that focused zone or, conversely, provided extra motivation. "When you're batting and you have a bit of a chat with the opposition, did you ever feel like this might carry on to you going out of the zone and potentially getting out, or did it put you in a more motivated space?" Kohli inquired.
Gambhir, quick to highlight Kohli's more frequent on-field altercations, responded with a lighthearted jibe: "You had more altercations than I have. You can answer that question better than I can." This humorous back-and-forth demonstrated the ease between the two, who have often been portrayed as having a tense relationship, especially after their infamous clash during an IPL match in 2013.
Kohli, embracing the banter, reflected on his perspective, saying, "I am looking for someone who agrees with my opinion. I am not saying that it's wrong. I am looking for someone to say, 'Yes, this is the right way.'" In a more serious tone, he added, "We've come a long way, and we're putting an end to all the masala and all the spice," signaling the end of years of speculation and media-driven narratives about their so-called rivalry.
