Virat Kohli’s Hugs Spark Reactions: From Disappointment to Appreciation
During the IPL 2024 opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders, a viral photo of Virat Kohli embracing Gautam Gambhir caught the attention of fans. The gesture marked a significant shift from their heated altercation during the IPL 2023 clash between RCB and Lucknow Super Giants, where Gambhir served as mentor.
Kohli’s subsequent hug with Naveen-ul-Haq, the LSG pacer involved in the previous tiff, further fueled speculation about his intentions. However, Kohli has since expressed his disappointment with the public’s reaction to his actions.
“People are disappointed by my behavior. I hugged Naveen. Then the other day, Gauti bhai came and hugged me. Because your masala got over, you are doing ‘wooh wooh’,” Kohli remarked at an event.
Despite Kohli’s perceived disappointment, former Indian cricket stars have lauded his gestures. Ravi Shastri praised the move, while Irfan Pathan, who has played alongside both Gambhir and Kohli, commented, “Gautam Gambhir, the senior guy, actually came forward. Sometimes you cross the line, but when you meet in the future, you meet nicely.”
Gambhir, known for his competitive spirit, has previously expressed his desire to defeat RCB at every opportunity. “One team which I wanted to beat every time, probably even in my dreams, was RCB. They had a flamboyant team with Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers, but they hadn’t won anything. That kind of attitude, I can’t take,” Gambhir said.
Despite the past rivalry, Kohli’s recent gestures suggest a willingness to move forward. As the IPL season progresses, it remains to be seen whether the spirit of sportsmanship will prevail over the competitive intensity that defines the tournament.
