The 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) witnessed a memorable on-field altercation between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli during a game between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This incident marked another chapter in the history of their fiery encounters, reminiscent of a similar clash in the 2013 IPL between Kohli's RCB and Gambhir's Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). These heated exchanges have often sparked discussions about the dynamic between the two cricketing stalwarts.
Amid this backdrop, Gautam Gambhir's response to a query about Kohli's 50th century in the 2023 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium caught significant attention on social media. When asked about the bowler during Kohli's milestone, Gambhir promptly answered "Lockie Ferguson" on Star Sports, impressing co-pundit Piyush Chawla with his sharp recall.
Gambhir's comment, "Ye aap baar baar dikhana, mujhe sab kuch yaad rehta hai. Ladai meri sirf on the field hai (Please show this clip again and again, I remember everything. My fight is only on the field)," highlighted his distinct approach to cricket, separating on-field competitiveness from personal relations.
Watch the video here:
His reaction to his accurate memory became a viral moment, drawing widespread attention.
The relationship between Gambhir and Kohli extends beyond these sporadic IPL clashes. Both have been teammates for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy and for the Indian national team, where they have shared significant partnerships. One of their most notable collaborations was during India's triumphant 2011 World Cup campaign.
Furthermore, Kohli's first ODI century was scored while Gambhir was at the other end, with both players achieving triple figures in that match. In a gesture of sportsmanship and camaraderie, Gambhir, who received the Player of the Match award, handed it over to Kohli, an act that garnered much admiration.
These instances reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of their relationship – one marked by intense on-field rivalry yet underscored by mutual respect and shared moments of triumph. Their journey together, from teammates to occasional adversaries, encapsulates the spirit of competitive sport and the enduring bonds that form within it.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
