Gautam Gambhir addresses past rift with Virat Kohli in first presser as India coach: 'Very good for the TRPs but...'

File photo of Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli

Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of India, is all set for his first assignment, which is a white ball tour to Sri Lanka. The teams will engage in three T20Is and as many ODIs, and ahead of the team's departure to the island nation the new coach addressed his first press conference in Mumbai on Monday morning.

Gambhir along with BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar were present for the presser, and the two were fielded with some burning questions. One among them was related to Gambhir's past relation with team's premier batter Virat Kohli, who as we move forward will remain a key figure in India's ODI and Test setup.

Both Gambhir and Kohli are hot custodians and the two on multiple occasions have been involved in heated arguments on the pitch.

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As the two now get back together, but this time in the capacity of a coach and a player, Gambhir was asked if he had any conversation with Kohli post his appointment.

Responding to the same, Gambhir said: "Very good for the TRPs but my relationship with him is not public. On the field, everyone will fight for their own team. At the moment, we are representing India. I share a very good relationship. I have had lots of chances to talk to him. It is not important what we discuss. The most important thing is we both have to work hard to make India proud. He is a thorough professional, a world-class player, and that is going to continue."

Earlier, it was reported by Cricbuzz that Kohli has communicated to the BCCI that he will not allow the past differences between the two "affect their professional relationship in the dressing room."

As per the report, the message by Kohli was communicated to relevant BCCI officials. The report also mentioned that the discussions on the same were held after the T20 World Cup final.