Rajat Bhatia reignites controversial Gautam Gambhir-Virat Kohli fight on latter's Ranji return

Former cricketer Rajat Bhatia shared that he is more remembered for stopping the infamous IPL fight between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir than for his cricketing achievements. Rajat Bhatia's comments came during the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match between Delhi and Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Kohli is renowned for his exceptional cricket skills, leadership, and intense competitiveness, making him a favorite among fans. However, his aggressive style has also sparked several controversies. Kohli and Gautam Gambhir have had a number of disagreements both on and off the cricket field over the years.

The Explosive IPL Brawl Between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir

In one of the most talked-about incidents, Kohli, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gambhir, leading Kolkata Knight Riders, had a heated argument during a match in the IPL 2013. The altercation raised concerns about their relationship, especially since they were teammates for India at the time.

Rajat Bhatia, playing for KKR, stepped in to mediate between the two, calming the situation before it could escalate further. The incident overshadowed the result of the match. Bhatia's role earned him lasting recognition among fans, and he is known more for this intervention than his cricketing career.

Mujhe Sab Log Iss Liye Jaante Hain Ki Maine... - Rajat Bhatia

Rajat Bhatia, while commentating on the Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Railways, said that he is better remembered for stopping the fight between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir than for his cricketing achievements. He also pointed out the success of both players now.

“Mujhe sab log iss liye jaante hain ki maine do logon ki fight rukwayi thi, mere cricket ke wajah se nahi. (People mostly remember me for stopping a fight between two players. That seems to have left a bigger impression than my performances)," Bhatia shared during the broadcast.

"Now, one of them has a stand named after him, and the other has a pavilion (laughs). Every team has its share of small disagreements. Even in Delhi’s Ranji squad, we had them. But it’s important not to hold onto those moments. Today, one is the head coach, and the other plays a pivotal role in the team,” he added.

Virat Kohli Dismissed for Just Six Runs in Delhi's First Innings

Virat Kohli made his long-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy after a 12-year gap, having last played in November 2012. The match between Delhi and Railways attracted around 15,000 spectators on Day 1. Delhi skipper Ayush Badoni won the toss and chose to field, with Railways being bowled out for 241.

Kohli failed to make an impact in his return. He was dismissed for just six runs off 15 balls on the second day. The frustrated crowd began leaving the stadium after his early departure. He smashed a beautiful boundary but was dismissed by Railways' pacer Himanshu Sangwan on the very next delivery.

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