In recent years, Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli, both former Indian cricket players, have been seen as foes on the pitch but the video of Gambhir giving his man of the match award to Kohli has gone viral
But there was a time when they were close friends, and in 2009, they shared a moment that changed their lives. In an ODI against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Gambhir and Kohli put up a great 224-run combination for the third wicket.
Kohli won the Man of the Match prize because he got his first ODI century in the game. Gambhir, on the other hand, asked that Kohli get the award instead.
When Gautam Gambhir gave his Man of the Match award to Virat Kohli in 2009, video goes viral
There was a time when Gautam Gambhir gifted his Man of The Match award to young Virat Kohli to boost his confidence.
Don't be bad to those who have been good to you and made sacrifices for you. #RCBVSLSG#ViratKohlipic.twitter.com/8v8jmSrqCc
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) May 2, 2023
The sweet moment between the two friends was caught on camera, and the video has been making the rounds on social media lately. Even though Gambhir and Kohli have had their fair share of fights and arguments on the pitch, this move by Gambhir reminds us of how close they used to be.
*A 2009 match*@GautamGambhir (150*) gives his MoM to @imVkohli (107).
[as his equally imp contribution in win & his 1st ODI ton] pic.twitter.com/KOIfHb6Pyr— आचार्य जी (@gurugrameen) October 14, 2018
India had just started putting together a new team, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, when the match happened in December 2009. They were trying to get back on track and become one of the best Indian teams ever put together. Gambhir and Kohli were two of the strong leaders on the team.
Gautam Gambhir’s selfless gesture to Kohli after India’s epic win
At Eden Gardens, India played Sri Lanka and had to beat a tough goal of 315 runs. For the third wicket, Gambhir and Kohli had a great 224-run combination that was a key part of India’s win. Kohli’s brilliant 107-run innings was his first hundred in an ODI, and he won the Man of the Match prize for it.
But during the trophy ceremony after the game, Gambhir did something very nice by asking that the trophy be given to Kohli instead. This kind and noble act was a turning point for the two cricket players and showed how close they were on and off the pitch.
Gautam Gambhir and Kohli’s gesture that stands the test of time
Even though Gambhir and Kohli’s friendship has had its ups and downs, the touching moment from 2009 shows how much they once liked and respected each other. The video of Gambhir giving the prize to Kohli has been shared a lot on social media, and cricket fans all over the world have praised it.
In conclusion, Gautam Gambhir and Kohli were known for being rivals on the pitch, but the time when Gambhir gave Kohli the Man of the Match award shows how close they used to be. The kind thing Gambhir did is a sign of their friendship and mutual respect, and cricket fans will always remember that moment.