Watch: Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir Full Interview by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) orchestrated a special interview between two of cricket’s most formidable personalities, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, ahead of the India vs. Bangladesh Test series. This interview, released on September 18, 2024, marks a significant moment where past rivalries are set aside for a candid conversation, showcasing the maturity and camaraderie that has developed between the two.

Cricket is full of unforgettable moments, but few are as special as India winning the 2011 World Cup. After 28 years, the Indian cricket team lifted the trophy, bringing joy to millions of fans. Recently, two of India’s cricket stars, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, had a chat about their experiences, the ups and downs of their careers, and how far Indian cricket has come since that iconic win.

Reliving the 2011 World Cup

Kohli starts by looking back at the 2011 World Cup, a day that still gives people goosebumps. “We can still feel that day and its energy,” Kohli said, recalling the celebrations in Mumbai. “The party lasted all night.” Gambhir, who played a crucial role in the final, added how much Indian cricket has changed and improved since then. Both of them agree that being part of that historic moment shaped their careers.

Growing Together in the Team

Kohli recalls how he joined the Indian team when players like Gambhir were already established stars. It was a big learning experience for him. “I came into the team when you guys were already established, and it was a great dressing room to be a part of,” Kohli said. Gambhir, always supportive, remembers Kohli’s early days, particularly his great performance against the West Indies in the Champions Trophy. “You played probably the best one-day innings by an Indian,” Gambhir said, praising Kohli’s knock against Pakistan. “It was special, not because of the runs, but because of the quality of the opposition and the pressure.”

Did Gambhir Always Want to Coach?

When asked if he ever thought of coaching, Gambhir admits that it was never part of his plan. “Even a couple of months before I took up the role, I never thought about it,” he said. But the challenge of helping Indian cricket grow made him say yes. He talks about how tough it is to be away from family for long periods, but without family support, it’s impossible to take on such a demanding job. Kohli agrees, saying, “If the challenge isn’t exciting enough to take you away from your family, you won’t be able to do it.”

The Love for Test Cricket

Both Kohli and Gambhir share a deep love for Test cricket. For them, the longest format of the game is the true test of a cricketer’s ability and character. “For us, Test cricket was the ultimate goal. There was no T20, no IPL back then,” said Gambhir, explaining the mindset of his generation. Kohli echoed this sentiment, adding, “Test cricket is still the pinnacle, and I wanted to build a strong Test team when I became captain.”

Kohli, who led India through a challenging period, says he focused on creating a team with fast bowlers who could take 20 wickets and batsmen who could build long innings. “I realized that we needed a group of fast bowlers and batsmen who could bat long to succeed in Test cricket,” he said.

Building a Strong Bowling Attack

Indian cricket’s recent success in Test matches is largely due to its fast bowlers. Gambhir praised Kohli for creating a team with bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma. “You built a strong bowling unit, and that’s why India became so successful in Test cricket,” Gambhir said. Kohli pointed out that winning Test matches depends on taking 20 wickets. “Without a strong bowling lineup, you can’t win Test matches,” he added.

Both players agree that finding the next generation of bowlers who love the challenge of Test cricket is crucial for the future. “Do the younger bowlers enjoy bowling 20 overs in Chennai’s heat?” Gambhir asked, highlighting the importance of dedication in the longer format.

Being “In the Zone”

One of the most interesting parts of their conversation is when they talk about being “in the zone,” that rare state of mind where everything clicks. Gambhir remembers his double century in Nagpur and how he stayed focused by listening to the Hanuman Chalisa. “I was listening to the Hanuman Chalisa for two and a half days, and it kept me in the zone,” Gambhir shared. Kohli added that during his successful series in Australia, he kept himself focused by chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” before every ball. “Being in the zone is something special, and only you can experience it,” Kohli said.

Planning a Run Chase

Kohli is known for his ability to chase down big targets. He explains that the key to a successful run chase is not focusing on your own score but on what the team needs. “For me, it’s always about clarity in a chase. You need to know exactly what the team needs,” Kohli said. Gambhir added a personal story from the 2011 World Cup final, where he got out at 97 because he briefly shifted his focus to his individual milestone instead of the team’s goal. “The moment I thought about my century, I got out. It’s a lesson that staying in the present is key,” Gambhir explained.

Handling On-Field Confrontations

Both Kohli and Gambhir are known for their fiery personalities on the field. Kohli admits that sometimes, a bit of confrontation with the opposition helps him focus and perform better. “I wanted the confrontation sometimes. It pushed me to perform better,” Kohli said. Gambhir, who is usually more calm, agreed that confrontations can actually push a player to do their best. “It has never gotten me out of the zone. If anything, it’s helped me,” Gambhir said.

Looking Forward

As the conversation comes to an end, Kohli and Gambhir talk about what’s next for Indian cricket. Both believe that building trust and unity in the team is key to continued success. “If we can keep the focus on the team’s betterment, everything else will fall into place,” Kohli said. They also agree that the upcoming Test matches and tournaments like the Champions Trophy are exciting challenges that will give the team many opportunities to create new memories and moments of victory.

Public Reaction

The reaction on platforms like X has been overwhelmingly positive, with posts highlighting the warmth and genuine respect between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir. Fans and followers have celebrated this moment as a refreshing chapter in Indian cricket, where past feuds give way to mentorship and friendship.