Gambhir: My Relationship with Virat Kohli is Not for Public Consumption, Good for TRP

Punctuality and Indian cricket don’t often go hand-in-hand. However, on Monday, Gautam Gambhir made a punctual debut before the media as the newly appointed head coach of the men's senior team. Joined by national selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, Gambhir emphasized creating a ‘happy dressing room’ and clarified that his relationship with Virat Kohli is ‘not for public consumption’.

Over the years, Gambhir and Kohli have had several confrontations during the Indian Premier League, but they seem to have buried the hatchet. “It’s good for TRP, but our relationship is not public. The kind of relationship I share with Virat Kohli is between two mature individuals. On the field, everyone has the right to fight for their own jersey and come back to a winning dressing room. 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 to make India proud,” Gambhir said. He added, “I share a very good relationship off the field and will continue to do that.”

Gambhir also revealed that he has exchanged messages with Kohli, and they are both looking forward to working together for the national team. “I have had a lot of chats with him... we’ve shared messages. It’s not important what we discussed or how many chats I have had with him. Just because we want headlines, it’s not important,” he said. “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.”

With both Kohli and Rohit Sharma moving on from T20Is, there were speculations about their future in the other formats. Gambhir insisted that with a packed international calendar, both will be motivated. “I think they’ve shown what they can deliver on the big stage, whether it is the T20 World Cup or the ODI World Cup. Both of those guys have a lot more to offer. We’ve got the Champions Trophy and a tour of Australia, so they will be motivated,” Gambhir said. “Hopefully, they can keep their fitness till the 2027 ODI World Cup. To say how much cricket is left in them is difficult. Any team that has players of their class would love to have them for as long as possible,” he added.

While there have been debates over workload management, Gambhir emphasized that managing the workload for players like Jasprit Bumrah is crucial. “He is one rare bowler who anyone would want. You want him to play important games. That’s why workload management for not just him but fast bowlers is important,” he said.

Gambhir is also looking forward to working with his assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, with whom he has worked in the past at Kolkata Knight Riders. “I am 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 finalized after the Sri Lanka tour. Abhishek and Ryan will be the assistant coaches, while T. Dilip will continue as the fielding coach,” Gambhir said.

There is a buzz that Morne Morkel will take over as the bowling coach, but the deal is yet to be finalized. Until then, Sairaj Bahutule will travel to Sri Lanka as an interim bowling coach.