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India head coach Gautam Gambhir and star batter Virat Kohli have a long-standing relationship, dating back to Kohli’s early days in first-class cricket for Delhi. Their camaraderie has evolved as they now find themselves in the roles of coach and player for the national team.
Recently the duo was spotted sharing a buggy ride at New Delhi airport returning from Chennai and heading to Kanpur for the second Test against Bangladesh. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant joined them listening in on their conversation. This interaction highlights the strong bond between Gambhir and Kohli who have navigated both on-field and off-field dynamics together over the years.
Pant making his return to Test cricket after a serious car accident in December 2022 made a stunning comeback by scoring 109 runs in the second innings against Bangladesh in Chennai. Kohli had a disappointing outing in the same match with scores of just 6 and 17. He struggled against both pacer Hasan Mahmud and spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz and his dismissal in the second innings was particularly frustrating as he walked off without reviewing an LBW decision only to realize he had edged the ball.
Despite their past disagreements Kohli and Gambhir seem to have put any issues behind them. They have been engaging in open conversations, with Kohli stating in a BCCI video We’ve come a long way and we’re putting an end to all the masala and all the spice. Kohli and Pant will next take the field for India in the second Test against Bangladesh starting September 27 in Kanpur.
Kohli poor outing
Virat Kohli faced a challenging match in Chennai scoring just 6 and 17 in his two innings against Bangladesh. His struggles were evident as he succumbed to the combined threats of pace and spin. In the first innings he was unsettled by Hasan Mahmud’s seam movement reigniting discussions about his tendency to play at deliveries outside the off-stump.
In the second innings Kohli fell victim to the clever off-spin of Mehidy Hasan Miraz. This underwhelming performance has drawn scrutiny and all eyes will be on him as he aims to regain his form in the upcoming second Test in Kanpur. After the series against Bangladesh India is set to host New Zealand for a three-Test series providing Kohli with further opportunities to showcase his skills and bounce back.
Virat Kohli forced to turn Down Kanpur Hotel staff handshake Compensates with two words
Virat Kohli received a warm welcome in Kanpur fitting for a superstar. Arriving with Rishabh Pant and coach Gautam Gambhir for the second Test against Bangladesh Kohli was greeted by a large crowd as he entered the hotel lobby. A tilak was applied to his forehead and he was presented with bouquets and a ‘rudraksh,’ celebrating him as if he were a deity.
Known for his graciousness Kohli typically accommodates fan requests for selfies and autographs. this time the overwhelming reception led him to politely decline a handshake from a hotel staff member. Juggling a bag in one hand and a bouquet in the other, he humorously remarked Sir 2 hi haath hain (I have only two hands),” before expressing his gratitude with a warm “thank you.” Kohli charm shone through despite the hectic situation.
Virat Kohli Test record in Kanpur
Virat Kohli who had a disappointing outing in the first Test in Chennai with scores of 6 and 17 is eager to secure a significant innings in the upcoming match. He has only played one Test at Kanpur Green Park Stadiu. which was in 2021 against New Zealand. where he managed just 27 runs across two innings.
The Chennai Test marked Kohli first Test appearance in over eight months, following his last game during India tour of South Africa where he scored a brilliant 76 in a losing effort at Centurion. Kohli missed the five-match series against England at home earlier this year for personal reasons which he later revealed was due to the birth of his second child Akaay.
After his break Kohli returned to play for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 amassing over 740 runs in the season. Although he had a quiet T20 World Cup he shone in the final scoring a match-winning 76 against South Africa helping India clinch their second title by 7 runs.
Meanwhile Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli share a rich history that dates back to their days playing together for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. Over the years they have experienced their share of fiery exchanges during the Indian Premier League (IPL) yet their camaraderie off the field has remained strong.
Following Gautam Gambhir appointment as India head coach the two were featured in a BCCI special segment. where they fondly reminisced about their journey together and quashed all the rumors about the alleged rift between them following the IPL 2023 saga.
Rishabh Pant made a stunning comeback to the Test arena
On the other hand Pant recently made his return to Test cricket in the first match of the ongoing home series against Bangladesh. Pant marked his comeback in style delivering a remarkable performance with a century in the second innings against Bangladesh scoring 109 runs.
The left-handed had also given a glimpse of his explosive batting with a brisk 39 off 52 balls in the first inning. His contribution was immense in India’s massive win over Bangladesh in the first Test. They will next face the Tigers in the second Test in Kanpur starting on September 27.
IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant next move confirmed by Delhi player
Rumors surrounding Rishabh Pant future with the Delhi Capitals (DC) have been put to rest with recent reports confirming that the Indian wicketkeeper-batter will stay with the franchise for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). For months speculation had been rife about Pant possible move to another team with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) emerging as potential top buyers. the Delhi Capitals (DC) have made their intentions clear that Pant isn’t going anywhere. In a game-changing move the Delhi franchise has reportedly sealed a hefty deal to retain Pant services securing him for the upcoming IPL 2025 and silencing the chatter of his exit.
Pant knack for delivering under pressure specially in challenging conditions like Australia, South Africa and England earned him a reputation as India go-to man specially in the longest format of the game. Mohammad Kaif was quoted as saying by the Times of India Rishabh Pant wasn’t there the last time when England toured India. Pant has been the biggest matchwinner for India coming in at No. 5-6. He has played many match-winning knocks none bigger than the innings at the Gabba that all remember. He has hit hundreds in tough conditions in South Africa and England also.
