Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has found himself at the center of a social media storm following a viral video showing him making an inappropriate gesture in response to the crowd's chants of "Virat Kohli" during the India vs. Nepal Asia Cup match. Gambhir, who is currently a part of the Asia Cup broadcasting team, let his frustration get the better of him, marking a rare instance of the World Cup champion losing his composure.
The incident, which occurred during a 45-minute rain delay at the Pallekele International Stadium, captured Gambhir's reaction as he walked near the sight screen. The crowd's "Kohli-Kohli" chants appeared to trigger him, leading to the controversial gesture that has garnered significant attention online.
The History of the Kohli-Gambhir Rivalry:
The rivalry between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir has been a long-standing one. While they were teammates for the Indian cricket team from 2008 to 2011, their relationship took a competitive turn, particularly during an intense exchange in the IPL 2012. Gambhir's aggressive send-off to Kohli didn't sit well with the young Kohli, leading to a fiery verbal confrontation between the two Delhi cricketers. Despite subsequent reassurances from both sides, a lingering tension seems to persist.
Their interactions gained renewed attention during this year's IPL when Lucknow Super Giants, with Gambhir as their mentor, faced Royal Challengers Bangalore. After LSG's victory in their first encounter, all eyes were on Gambhir's intense handshake with Kohli post-match, sparking widespread discussion. While Kohli and Gambhir posed for a photo together to dispel media speculation, this reconciliation proved to be short-lived.
In a subsequent IPL match, Kohli's confrontation with Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq escalated, and Gambhir, in his role with LSG, stepped in. Visuals of Gambhir and Kohli exchanging heated words took center stage during the match. A few days later, a video captured Gambhir's reaction to 'Kohli-Kohli' chants, where he responded with a stern gaze before entering the dressing room.
The Latest Controversy:
Gambhir's recent controversial gesture in response to the crowd's Kohli chants marks another chapter in this enduring rivalry. While it's not uncommon for cricketers to face heckling from fans, Gambhir's reaction has raised eyebrows due to his previous composure in similar situations. The incident has generated debate and discussion across social media, potentially putting Gambhir in a precarious position.
In conclusion, the Kohli-Gambhir rivalry, marked by on-field clashes and off-field exchanges, continues to captivate cricket enthusiasts. While moments of tension and confrontation are not uncommon in the world of sports, Gambhir's recent gesture serves as a reminder of the intense competitive spirit that has defined their relationship over the years. As the cricketing world watches, the question remains whether this rivalry will ever see a lasting resolution.
