Introduction
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir are often known for their aggressive on-field presence. However, in a surprising turn, former Indian pacer Sreesanth included both players in his ‘calmest’ all-time XI. Despite their fiery personalities, the ex-bowler chose them to open the batting for his unique team.
Kohli and Gambhir’s Partnership
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir have played numerous matches together, forming a strong partnership over the years. Both cricketers hail from Delhi and started their careers playing for the state team. They were also part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad.
Their aggressive approach to cricket has been well-documented. Both players are known for their intensity on the field and their willingness to express their opinions. This makes their inclusion in Sreesanth’s ‘calmest’ XI quite surprising, given their reputation for being fiery competitors.
Sreesanth’s All-Time XI Selection
Sreesanth, known for his own emotional outbursts during his playing days, recently revealed his all-time XI on Sportskeeda. He was asked to pick the calmest players, but his choices were anything but serene. Instead, he picked players with reputations for being hot-headed.
“In my all-time XI, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir will open. Ricky Ponting will bat at No. 3, with Sourav Ganguly at two down,” Sreesanth shared. He also named Ganguly as the captain, with Ponting as vice-captain.
The team also includes fiery players like Shahid Afridi, Shakib Al Hasan, Kieron Pollard, Harbhajan Singh, Shoaib Akhtar, and Andre Nel. Surprisingly, Sreesanth placed himself at No. 11, humorously declaring, “How can I leave myself out of any playing XI?”
Mutual Respect Between Kohli and Gambhir
Despite their intense rivalry on the field, Gautam Gambhir has always maintained his respect for Virat Kohli. While their on-field spats have been well-publicized, Gambhir has clarified that their relationship is built on mutual professionalism.
“What kind of a relationship I share with Virat Kohli… it’s between two mature individuals. On the field, everyone has the right to fight for their own jersey and come back to a winning dressing room,” Gambhir explained after becoming the coach of the Indian cricket team.
He further emphasized that, when representing India, their focus is on making the country proud. “At the moment, we’re representing 140 crore Indians, and I’m sure we’re on the same page to make India proud,” he said.
Insights from Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla, a cricketer who has played alongside both Kohli and Gambhir, shared an interesting story that highlights the depth of Gambhir’s admiration for Kohli. During a television show, Chawla and Gambhir were asked a question about Kohli’s milestone achievements.
“I and Gauti bhai were doing a show, and someone asked, ‘When Virat completed his 50th century, which bowler did he take the single off?’ I couldn’t answer it, but Gambhir did,” Chawla recalled. He went on to praise Gambhir, saying, “Gauti bhai is all class. He is one of the best.”
Sreesanth’s Humorous Take on His XI
Sreesanth’s selection of an all-time XI is more of a humorous take than a serious team composition. His choices, including himself at No. 11, reflect his playful personality and a lighthearted approach to the question.
Including players like Kohli, Gambhir, and Afridi in a team labeled as ‘calmest’ is ironic but fits the entertaining style of Sreesanth. He acknowledged the intensity of these players, making his choices stand out for their contradiction.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir’s inclusion in Sreesanth’s ‘calmest’ all-time XI certainly raised eyebrows. Known for their passion and fiery temperaments, both players have made their mark in cricket with aggressive styles. Despite this, their mutual respect off the field has been clear, showing that their intensity is matched by their professionalism.
Sreesanth’s unique selection reflects the complexities of player personalities, where calmness is not always what it seems. With Kohli and Gambhir leading the way, this team is anything but ordinary. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
