Sports, Sept 04: Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has found himself in the middle of a controversy during the Asia Cup 2023 Group B clash between India and Nepal at the Pallekele International Stadium. In a surprising turn of events, Gambhir was captured on camera making an offensive gesture towards fans who were chanting the name of current Indian cricket captain, Virat Kohli.
Gambhir, who is now a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament, was seen talking on the phone as he walked past a group of fans enthusiastically chanting “Kohli, Kohli.” In a response that has left many cricket enthusiasts shocked, Gambhir turned towards the fans and raised his middle finger as a sign of his displeasure. This incident was captured on camera and quickly went viral on the internet.
The contentious gesture has reignited the long-standing feud between Gambhir and Kohli, both prominent figures in Indian cricket. Over the years, their on-field clashes and verbal spats have been well-documented, creating a rivalry that has been a significant talking point among cricket fans.
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It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time that Gautam Gambhir has been the target of Virat Kohli’s fans during a cricket match.
The passionate supporters of the Indian cricket team have, on multiple occasions, made their preferences clear by vocally supporting Kohli over Gambhir. This intense rivalry between fans often adds fuel to the fire during matches featuring these two cricketers.
The Kohli-Gambhir rivalry began on the cricket field, with both players representing the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Their heated exchanges, on-field arguments, and altercations became defining moments in IPL history. This rivalry reached its peak during a 2013 IPL match when both players engaged in a fiery on-field argument.
Despite their history of disagreements, both Kohli and Gambhir have made significant contributions to Indian cricket. Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time and has achieved numerous records and accolades throughout his career. On the other hand, Gautam Gambhir played pivotal roles in India’s triumphs in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
As news of this recent incident circulates, cricket fans and analysts have been quick to share their opinions on social media. Many express disappointment at Gambhir’s actions, highlighting the importance of sportsmanship and respectful behavior both on and off the field. Others believe that this incident could further intensify the rivalry between Kohli and Gambhir, adding a new layer of drama to Indian cricket.
It’s important to note that emotions can run high in the world of sports, and cricketers, like all individuals, can sometimes act impulsively in the heat of the moment. However, such incidents serve as a reminder of the need for athletes to uphold the values of sportsmanship and fair play.
As the controversy surrounding Gautam Gambhir’s gesture continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether any disciplinary action will be taken. The incident has once again brought to light the passionate emotions that cricket ignites among fans and players alike, making it one of the most beloved and debated sports in India and beyond.
