In an all-inclusive conversation with Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir revealed how on-field altercations and confrontations uplifted his performance as a player.
Kohli and Gambhir, known for their fiery characters on the field, have a history of run-ins and infamous confrontations with opposition players. Tempers have flared on numerous occasions, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL), whenever the two met.
With Gambhir appointed India’s new head coach, the duo has put their differences aside for the team. In a video shared by the BCCI, Kohli was seen asking Gambhir about the onfield spats. Gambhir burst into laughter on the question, before answering that they never took his rhythm from batting. Instead, it helped Gambhir to focus.
"That’s the personality you have. That’s the personality I have. Sometimes, I wanted that confrontation, honestly. Sometimes, that confrontation can get you in that zone, come what may. I don’t want guys to change me one bit, and you don’t want guys to change you," Gambhir said.
When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object—cricket’s greatest paradox, personified! 👌 👌
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 18, 2024
Presenting an iconic interaction between #TeamIndia Head Coach @GautamGambhir & the legendary @imVkohli 👏 👏 - By @RajalArora & @Moulinparikh#INDvBAN | @IDFCFIRSTBank
He added: "If tomorrow when you look back at your career, and someone asks you, ‘Would you regret anything in your career? You had so many confrontations and altercations with the opposition.’ You would say, ‘Not at all’, because ultimately it’s about how to get the result, how you score runs. I don’t think sledging the opposition has got me out of the zone ever in my life. It has probably helped me more."
India’s Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19, will mark Gambhir's maiden red-ball assignment as the head coach.
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