In a lively interaction at the recently concluded Delhi Premier League (DPL), Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of Team India, has bestowed the title of ‘Shahenshah’ (emperor) of cricket upon ace batter Virat Kohli. This momentous declaration highlights Kohli’s significant contributions to the game and his revered status among cricket enthusiasts.
Gambhir’s Enduring Support for Kohli
Gautam Gambhir’s admiration for Kohli is not new; he has been a staunch supporter of the star batter since his early days in international cricket. During a memorable match against Sri Lanka, Gambhir famously handed over his Player of the Match award to a young Kohli after India successfully chased down a daunting target of 316 runs. This act of mentorship laid the foundation for a lasting bond between the two cricketers.
Despite their fierce competitive spirits, which occasionally led to heated exchanges during the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gambhir and Kohli have reconciled their differences. The two were recently spotted sharing a warm hug during IPL 2024, a gesture that signifies their mutual respect and camaraderie.
Titles Bestowed by Gambhir
During the DPL event, Gambhir was asked to assign titles to various cricketers, showcasing his playful side. Alongside Kohli as the ‘Shahenshah’, he named Yuvraj Singh as the ‘Badshah’ of cricket, Sourav Ganguly as the ‘Tiger’, and Jasprit Bumrah as the ‘Khiladi’. When humorously prompted to identify the ‘Angry Young Man’, Gambhir chose himself, reflecting his competitive nature and personality.
This light-hearted segment also featured former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan, who echoed Gambhir’s sentiments by labeling Kohli as the ‘Badshah of cricket’ while giving the ‘Shahenshah’ title to Bumrah.
Watch the interaction here:
Kohli’s Recent Achievements and Future Prospects
Virat Kohli recently announced his retirement from T20 International cricket, a decision made shortly after lifting the T20 World Cup trophy with his teammates in the West Indies. Currently enjoying a break from international commitments, Kohli is set to return to the Indian team for an upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, commencing on September 19 at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.
As Gambhir embarks on his coaching journey with the national team, he will look to leverage Kohli’s experience and prowess in the upcoming series. This marks Gambhir’s first Test assignment since taking over the coaching role from Rahul Dravid, and the cricketing community is keen to see how this dynamic unfolds.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
