Shutting all the grapevine around the dynamics between ‘Kohli-Gambhir’, India's newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir declared that his much talked about relationship with batting mainstay Virat Kohli, “is between the two of us and not for TRPs”, asserting that they are going to be "on same page” in the coming times.
The change in the status quo among the duo was announced in the press conference, for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka on Monday.
The spat between the two goes years back, following a series of multiple confrontations. It was conspicuous that they both share a hostile relationship.
However, putting off all the rumours, the duo will now be working together starting with the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka from July 27.
"Good for the TRP, but my relationship is not public. What kind of a relationship do I share with Virat Kohli... I think it's between two mature individuals", averred Gambhir.
The chief selector Ajit Agarkar also addressed the press conference ahead of India's tour of Sri Lanka where the Indian team will play three T20 Internationals and as many ODIs.
The star batsman, Virat Kohli, is part of India's ODI squad against the island nation and ahead of that, he has apparently communicated to the BCCI that he's ready to begin this new phase with a clean slate.
"On the field, everyone has got the right to fight for their own jersey and come back to a winning dressing room", Gambhir continued.
“But at the moment, we're representing India, representing 140 crore Indians and I'm sure we're going to be on the same page and try and make India proud,” he added.
Gambhir further asserted his cordial relationship with the batter off the field and they share WhatsApp messages now and then.
"...and will continue to do that. But yes, to make it more public, what kind of a relationship... I think it's between two individuals. I've had a lot of chats with him (Kohli)... we've shared messages,” he said.
He added, "Sometimes, just because we want headlines, it's not important. Right now, the most important thing is we both are going to be working extremely hard to make India proud. And that's our job."
Former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and Netherlands batter Ryan ten Doeschate, who worked with Gambhir in the IPL 2024 during his stint as mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, are joining the Indian team coaching staff for the Sri Lanka tour as a support staff.
However, the full details of his support staff will be known only after the Sri Lanka tour.
He said, "really happy with BCCI. They've agreed with most things I've asked for. The crux of the support staff will remain as they are.”
"The rest of the staff will be finalised after the Sri Lanka tour. Abhishek and Ryan will continue as assistant coaches. T Dilip will continue as fielding coach. Sairaj Bahutule as interim bowling coach for the Sri Lanka tour," detailed Gambhir.
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