The Ekana Stadium’s IPL 2023 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants grabbed attention for all the wrong reasons. After the game, Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli engaged in a bitter verbal altercation that escalated to the point where members from both teams had to intervene to prevent a physical altercation.
The conflict started when Kohli engaged in a heated verbal exchange with LSG pacer Naveen ul Haq, and Gambhir’s involvement made things even more heated. Since IPL 2013, Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli have been involved in one of Indian cricket’s most intense rivalries, which has had several chapters.
However, before the rivalry began, the two Delhi cricketers shared a heartwarming moment in 2009. Gambhir, as the senior pro, made a special gesture towards the young Kohli when he made his first international century in an ODI against Sri Lanka.
In the second ODI of the series held at Eden Gardens, India faced a daunting task of chasing down 316 runs for victory. However, they were dealt two massive early blows with the dismissals of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.
At this point, Gautam Gambhir took charge and formed a vital partnership of 235 runs with Virat Kohli. Gambhir displayed an exceptional innings, smashing 150 runs and remaining not out to steer India to victory. Although Kohli played a significant role in the partnership with his contribution of 107 runs, he got out later. Notably, this was Kohli’s maiden international century.
Gautam Gambhir was awarded the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance. Nevertheless, he stunned everyone with his incredible gesture by giving away his trophy, prize money, and a mobile phone to the young and talented Virat Kohli. Gambhir even clapped as Kohli received his Man of the Match prize from the then CAB president Jagmohan Dalmiya.