Gambhir's heartfelt gesture for Virat Kohli (Source: @hearthealfeels/x.com)
Virat Kohli’s fiery temperament has been a major part of his cricketing journey, sparking countless verbal battles on the field. However, in a dramatic turn, the cricket world witnessed fierce fights between him and his former teammate Gautam Gambhir.
Their intense on-field clashes have always drawn attention, but discussions about Virat Kohli’s ODI future have once again thrown their relationship into the spotlight. But beyond the headlines lies a touching story.
Gautam Gambhir once shared his Player of the Match award to a young Kohli after his first ODI century in 2009. Let’s relive the moment.
Gambhir-Kohli duo dismantle the Sri Lankan bowling with flair and fire
In the ODI format, Virat Kohli is an institution, as he has become the greatest of the format, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of most ODI hundreds. Among all, the first are always special, and that is nothing different for Virat Kohli. But that iconic match would be remembered for more than just the first ODI century of him; it carried a moment that became truly iconic.
After Sri Lanka put on a daunting total of 315 and Team India’s chase started with early stumbles. After Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar walked out early, Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli took the helm, and their brilliance turned the tide.
Pushing India towards glory, the duo dominated Sri Lanka’s lethal bowling with ruthless batting. Kohli, steady yet fearless, brought up his fifty in 52 balls before crossing the magical three-figure milestone in 110 deliveries. That maiden century was more than just runs on the board; it marked the dawn of a new era in Indian cricket, as Virat Kohli announced his arrival on the big stage.
At the other end, Gautam Gambhir matched Kohli’s fire with equal brilliance. Completing a half-century in 51 runs, he smashed a spectacular hundred in 101 balls. After Kohli walked away scoring 107 runs, Gambhir remained unbeaten with an outstanding innings of 150 runs in 137 balls, and Team India registered a 7-wicket victory.
Eden Gardens sees a new side of Gambhir
After India secured the dominating victory, Gambhir-Kohli’s iconic 224-run stand played a crucial role in it. Gambhir’s unbeaten masterclass not only sealed the victory but also earned him the Player of the Match award. Yet, beyond the numbers, the cricketing world got a glimpse of a side of Gautam Gambhir rarely seen before.
After claiming the Player of the Match award, Gambhir did something extraordinary. He decided to share it with young Kohli, who just smashed his first-ever ODI ton. Praising his calmness, grit, and maturity at that crucial point, Gambhir shared the award with Kohli. Gambhir’s gesture went beyond the ordinary, offering a masterclass in sportsmanship that left the cricketing world in awe.
As their heated face offs will always be hot topics in Indian cricket, but Gambhir’s heartfelt gesture after Kohli’s maiden ODI ton will be remembered. With their own brilliance, both have been the strongest pillar of Indian cricket but this incident will always remember as one Delhi Boy’s kind move for another Delhi boy.
