Gautam Gambhir bows to Virat Kohli, calls his 183 vs PAK 'best ODI knock by an Indian'

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir recently picked the greatest-ever ODI knock played by an Indian batter during an interview with Virat Kohli. Gautam Gambhir said that Virat Kohli's 183-run knock against Pakistan during the 2012 Asia Cup is probably the best ODI innings by an Indian batter.

The Delhi boys were involved in verbal spats on the field in the Indian Premier League. The notable incident took place during the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where Gambhir was a mentor, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) match in the IPL 2023. However, their rivalry is confined to the field.

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir have joined forces for Team India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a conversation between the two on Wednesday, September 18. In the video, Kohli said that this interaction should put an end to any rumors about their relationship.

It Is The Best Innings I Have Ever Seen - Gautam Gambhir

During the conversation, Gautam Gambhir praised Virat Kohli for his match-winning hundred against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2012. Gambhir said that it was the best innings he had witnessed, considering the strength of the opposition.

Kohli faced a bowling attack from Pakistan, including pacers Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz, along with spinners Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi in subcontinent conditions. Gambhir also acknowledged Kohli's role in advancing Indian cricket and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

"I saw you make your debut, play that very important knock in the Champions Trophy in South Africa on a tricky wicket against the West Indies, and then playing possibly the best one-day innings that has been played by an Indian batter, and I have said this before. It is the best innings I have ever seen because of the quality of the opposition, the conditions, chasing 300-plus against Pakistan," Gambhir said.

"You've done some really special things. Most importantly for me, how you have taken Indian cricket forward is probably the legacy you have left for the next generation," he added.

Kohli played an outstanding knock to help India chase a 330-run target. Gambhir was dismissed for a duck in the first over, while Sachin Tendulkar added 52 runs in his final ODI. Kohli formed a 172-run partnership with Rohit Sharma, guiding India to victory with more than two overs remaining.

The right-handed batter scored 183 runs off 148 balls, including 22 boundaries and two sixes. Notably, it remains Kohli's highest score in one-day internationals. Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is after India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory but remains part of India's Test and ODI setup.

I Never Thought About Coaching - Gautam Gambhir

When Virat Kohli asked about any intent to coach at some point in his career, Gautam Gambhir said that he hadn't considered coaching India even a couple of months ago. He added that it’s an absolute honor to return to the dressing room.

"Now answering your question I never thought about coaching. I never thought about coaching India even couple of months back if you ask me. The reason I firstly it’s an absolute honour representing the country and coming back to the dressing room."

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