Watch: Kohli interviews Gambhir, puts end to ‘masala’ in engaging interaction

Star India batter Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir recently sat down for an engaging interaction ahead of the Bangladesh series, dispelling the ‘masala’ surrounding the reported tension between the two. The conversation opened with Gambhir recalling some of the peak moments in their respective careers.
Referring to Kohli’s exceptional performances during a series in Australia, Gambhir noted how pivotal that moment was for the former Indian captain. “I remember when you had that bumper series in Australia where you scored heaps and heaps of runs, and that got you in that zone,” Gambhir said in the video posted by BCCI, reminiscing about his own experience in a memorable Test match in Napier. “For me, it was exactly the same when I played in Napier… I could have never done that again. I have never been in that zone ever in my life after that. So I can imagine how good that feeling is.”
Kohli, listening intently, shared his own thoughts on staying in “the zone,” a term that athletes often use to describe the state of focus and peak performance. “When you’re batting and you have a bit of a chat with the opposition, did you ever feel like this might carry on to you going out of the zone and you potentially getting out, or did it put you in a more motivated space?” Kohli asked, touching on how external interactions can influence a player’s mental state.
Gambhir, known for his fierce attitude on the field, quickly turned the question back on Kohli, humorously remarking that the latter had far more altercations during his career. “You had more altercations than I have. You can answer that question better than I can,” Gambhir said, acknowledging Kohli’s fiery competitive streak that often saw him engaging with opponents.
The lightheartedness of the conversation highlighted just how far the two cricketers have come since their on-field confrontations, which were often sensationalized by media and fans alike. Kohli, in a reflective tone, added, “I am looking for someone who agrees with my opinion. I am not saying that it’s wrong. I am looking for someone to say, ‘Yes, this is the right way.’” He then concluded with a message that seemed to put the final nail in the coffin of any perceived friction between the two: “We’ve come a long way and put an end to all the masala and all the spice.”