My relationship with Virat Kohli is not for TRP, declares Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir with Virat Kohli, seen during Indian Premier League 2023
| Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

India’s newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir on July 22 declared that his much talked about relationship with batting mainstay Virat Kohli “is between the two of us and not for TRPs”.

Gambhir and Kohli had not been the best of friends, something which was evident from the multiple confrontations between the two in the IPL. However, the duo will now be working together starting with the T20 and ODI tour of Sri Lanka from July 27.

“My relationship with Virat Kohli is between the two of us and not for TRP,” Gambhir said.

In the context of Kohli, Gambhir added, “We have had lots of discussions and everyone has the right fight for their jersey.” With the departure of seniors Rohit Sharma and Kohli from the T20 International scene, workload management of someone like Jasprit Bumrah assumes greater significance, Gambhir said.

Both Rohit and Kohli announced their retirement from the shortest format after India’s title triumph in the T20 World Cup last month.

“Workload for someone like Jasprit Bumrah is important.

“Now that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play only two formats, I expect them to be available for most games,” Gambhir said.