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The ugly verbal altercation between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir has undoubtedly been the biggest controversy of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 so far.
After Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) beat Lucknow Super Giants by (LSG) by 18 runs in a low-scoring game in Lucknow on May 1, some rather unruly scenes played out.
LSG pacer Naveen-ul-Haq and Kohli, who were involved in a spat during the match, had another go at each other while the players shook hands after the game. Tempers flared further, leading to an extremely heated exchange between RCB’s senior batter Kohli and LSG mentor Gambhir.
While the two men from Delhi are not known to be the best of pals - they had a bitter exchange during IPL 2013 as well - some big names from Indian cricket fraternity had urged the duo to reconcile.
We tried to get a non-cricketing and non-human view over the matter and asked Google AI (Bard) what it feels.
Here is what Artificial Intelligence had to say when asked about whether Kohli and Gambhir can be friends again:
“It is possible for Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli to be friends again. In the past, they have had their share of on-field altercations, but they have also been seen sharing laughs and practicing together. It is possible that they have put their differences aside and are now able to be friends.
“Ultimately, it is up to Gambhir and Kohli to decide whether or not they want to be friends again. If they are both willing to put the past behind them, then there is no reason why they cannot be friends.”
Jotting down some aspects that could determine whether the duo can be friends again, Google AI further wrote:
“Here are some factors that could influence whether or not Gambhir and Kohli can be friends again:
Their willingness to forgive and forget
Their ability to communicate effectively
Their shared interests and values
Their commitment to maintaining a positive relationship.”
Concluding its thoughts on the topic, AI commented:
“If Gambhir and Kohli can consider all of these factors, then they have a good chance of being friends again.”
While Kohli has represented RCB from the very start of the IPL in 2008, Gambhir played for Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
He was hired as LSG mentor last year when the franchise made its debut.
When Kohli-Gambhir made India proud
The mention of Kohli and Gambhir is often equated to controversies these days, but that was not the case always. The Delhi boys have featured in one of the most significant partnerships in Indian cricket. In the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka in Mumbai, India had struggled to 31/2 in a high-pressure chase of 275.
Kohli (35) and Gambhir (97) joined forces and put up a defining partnership of 83 for the third wicket. Following Kohli’s dismissal, MS Dhoni (91*) walked in and capitalized on the shift in momentum, leading India to an iconic win.
Did you know?
Back in 2009, Gambhir gave his man of the match award to a young Kohli, who had notched up his maiden international ton.
In an ODI against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Kohli scored 107 and Gambhir 150 not out. The duo added 224 runs as India chased 316 with ease.
