On this day, 18 August, 16 years ago, Virat Kohli made his debut for the Indian team in 2008 against Sri Lanka. The ODI match took place in Dambulla and while Virat was only able to score 12 runs as he set out to open alongside Gautam Gambhir, Kohli did manage to score 159 runs in five games in his maiden series.
Gambhir, who is now the head coach of the Indian team in 2019 recalled Virat Kohli’s debut and the way he was batting in the nets, Gautam felt that there’s enormous talent in the kid. The two hailed from Delhi and they have had their fair share of highs and lows since.
When Gautam Gambhir was announced as head coach of the Indian team, there were plenty of questions asked regarding his rapport with Virat Kohli. However, the veteran had made it clear that their relationship was not made for TRP.
The newly appointed coach urged Virat to play in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka and the legend obliged. On the day when Kohli completed 16 years in international cricket, Star Sports shared a clip from 2019 wherein Gautam Gambhir was seen lavishing praise on the legendary batter.
“When he made in his debut in Sri Lanka in the first ODI, he was dismissed quickly but the way he batted in the nets I knew he had the potential to represent India for many years, he was so talented that it was only a matter of time,” Gambhir said.
“Great attitude, good temperament, he knew the way how to fight to win games for your team. In his early days with the Indian team, the way in which how he won matches for India was a big positive,” GG added.
Despite their differences, the pair have buried their hatchet and were seen sharing a laugh during the ODI series against Sri Lanka, and their reunion melted the hearts of every Indian fan.
