There have been some moments in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season that have caught the eyes of many. While most of them have been exciting — Rinku Singh's 5 sixes against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) being the case in point — one particular incident on Monday (May 1) night is sure to leave a sour taste in the mouth of everyone involved.
Former India skipper Virat Kohli and his former teammate Gautam Gambhir were the scoop of the headlines for all the wrong reasons after the Delhi duo were involved in a controversy at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
This is not the first time that Gambhir and Kohli have been engaged in a war of words in the IPL. But there was a time when the two shared a great camaraderie. Back in December 2009, Gambhir came up with a heartfelt gesture for Kohli when he gave his fellow teammate the Player of the Match award.
Then a youngster, it was December 24, 2009, when Kohli scored his maiden hundred in international cricket. Kohli was a youngster back then, while Gambhir had already played six years for the Indian team.
In fact, in an exclusive interview with Sports Tak, Gambhir reveals the real reason for sacrificing his Player of the Match award. “There was only one reason I gave him my award. It's because I know how memorable and important a first international century can be. And when you keep that trophy in the cabinet, then you will remember for your whole life that you scored your first international century in this match.”
"I did not do it to uplift my image, I just felt that the way Virat batted with me in that match, he deserved the award but unfortunately only one person gets the award.
See the exclusive interview here:
See the special moment here:
India beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. After being asked to chase down 316, the Men in Blue found themselves in all sorts of trouble. Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar departed early as Suranga Lakmal gave the visitors the early breakthrough.
The two then helped India to a stunning victory with a partnership of 224 runs for the third wicket off 35.4 overs. Gambhir was the higher run-getter with his unbeaten 150 off 137 balls with 14 fours, while Kolhi scored 107 runs off 114 balls with 11 fours and one six before Suraj Randiv got his wicket. Later, Gambhir was picked as the Player of the Match but he decided to give his award to Kohli instead.
The former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri, who was the presenter at the presentation ceremony, made the announcement. Gambhir was also seen clapping when Kohli was being given the award.
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