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The captivating IPL 2023 concluded two months ago, and while cricket fans are currently engrossed in the thrilling Ashes contest and the upcoming 2023 World Cup, discussions about the last IPL season and its impact continue. However, one incident that will linger in conversations for all the wrong reasons is the infamous altercation between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir.
During a crucial match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants at Ekana Stadium in May, Kohli engaged in a heated argument with LSG player Naveen-ul-Haq. The tension escalated after RCB's victory when both Kohli and Haq had an intense handshake, drawing the involvement of Lucknow mentor Gambhir. The situation turned ugly, requiring other players to step in and separate the two former India teammates.
More than three months after the incident, former India captain Kapil Dev expressed his concern and made a poignant request to the BCCI to be actively involved in grooming players, starting from their U-19 days. He emphasized the importance of instilling good citizenship in players, referencing the unpleasant confrontation between Kohli and Gambhir in the IPL. Kapil Dev pointed out that sportsmen may sometimes lose their temper, but it's crucial to guide and mentor them to display better conduct both on and off the field.
While Kohli refrained from publicly addressing the incident, he posted cryptic messages on his Instagram handle shortly after the match, hinting at the ongoing aftermath of the spat.
On the other hand, Gambhir broke his silence in a recent interview with News 18, asserting that his relationship with MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli remains professional. He emphasized that any arguments or disagreements stay confined to the field and do not carry over into personal relationships, as all players share the common goal of winning matches.
The incident between Kohli and Gambhir serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing young players and guiding them to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship throughout their careers. Kapil Dev's call for grooming players to be good citizens resonates with the need for mentorship and support to maintain the integrity of the game.
