As Gautam Gambhir embarks on his journey as the head coach of Team India, there's considerable curiosity about his dynamic with superstar batter Virat Kohli. While Gambhir has chosen not to delve into specifics regarding their relationship, former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra has provided some perspective on their connection. The two cricketing icons have had their share of on-field disagreements, most recently during the Indian Premier League 2023 season. They share a similar passion for the game, both displaying their emotions openly and always striving to contribute to the team's success. However, given that they are now part of the same team, significant conflicts are unlikely.
Nehra downplayed the significance of Gambhir and Kohli's on-field confrontations, pointing out that many players experience such conflicts during matches. He emphasised that in the dressing room, their unity prevails. "Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir are both incredibly passionate individuals. When playing against others, tensions can arise. However, when they are in the dressing room, they work together, united for the team's cause. Virat has over 16-17 years of experience, and Gautam brings his own wealth of experience. While external perceptions may paint a certain picture, it's important to note that many players have had similar on-field disagreements. Yet, when they come together as teammates, they complement each other well—as players, coaches, or as a captain and senior player," Nehra remarked, according to India Today.
Taking over the head coach position from Rahul Dravid, Gambhir has a notably different style compared to his predecessor. Despite this change, Nehra doesn't foresee any issues arising between Kohli and Gambhir within the team. "Gautam Gambhir is direct and transparent, which is a positive trait. He expresses himself clearly, which is crucial. While everyone has their own coaching style that influences their interactions with players and the captain, I don’t anticipate any difficulties between these two, especially given their current phases in their careers," Nehra added.