Gautam Gambhir isn’t willing to make his relationship with Virat Kohli public.

The two have had their share of run-ins on the field during the IPL in the past, though both were all smiles and bonhomie this season when Gambhir returned as mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders.

There has been a lot of speculation in cricketing circles on how the two
Delhiites — both very competitive and neither not known to mince words — would get along in the same dressing room once Gambhir was confirmed as head coach of Team India.

Both have also remained tightlipped about their discreet meeting arranged by a former India all-rounder before Kohli’s departure for the T20 World Cup.

At a news conference in Mumbai on Monday, ahead of leaving for his first series in his new role, Gambhir said their equation is akin to “two mature individuals” and they were “on the same page” when it came to achieving success for the national team.

“Good for the TRP, but my relationship is not public,” Gambhir said hours before leaving for Sri Lanka for the limited-overs tour. “What kind of relationship do I share with Virat Kohli, I think it is between two mature individuals.

“On the field, everyone has got the right to fight for their own team, for their own jersey, and want to come back to a winning dressing room. But, at the moment, I think you are representing India and representing 140 crore Indians and I am sure we are going to be on the same page and try and make India proud.

“I share a very good relationship (with Kohli) off the field and we will continue to do that. But yes, to make it more public what kind of a relationship... I think it is between two individuals.”

“The most important thing right now is that we both have got to be working extremely hard to make India proud. And that is our job,” Gambhir said.

Kohli and Gambhir were involved in a spat during a 2013 IPL encounter when they were captains of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Knight Riders, respectively. Last year, the two — Gambhir was then Lucknow Super Giants mentor and Kohli RCB’s top star — had to be separated by the players and support staff in Lucknow after almost coming to blows.

The head coach refused to divulge his discussions with Kohli before taking charge.

“How many chats have I had with him, after my announcement or before my announcement, during the games, after the games... Sometimes just because we want headlines, it’s not important,” Gambhir said.

“He is a thorough professional, he is a world-class athlete, he is a world-class player. I have always said that. I have huge respect for him as a player and it is going to continue. And hopefully, we can work together really well.”

Gambhir has left it to the Big Two — Rohit Sharma and Kohli — to decide on playing the 2027 ODI World Cup. The BCCI has already retained Rohit as captain till the Champions Trophy next year and the World Test Championship cycle.

He will be 38 next year and will turn 40 when the ODI World Cup happens. Kohli will be 38 then.

“I think they have shown what they can deliver on the big stage, whether it’s the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup as well,” Gambhir said.

“One thing I can be very clear of is that both those guys have a lot of cricket left in them. More importantly, with the Champions Trophy (in 2025) and a big tour of Australia (in November 2024), obviously they would be motivated enough.

“And then, hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, the 2027 World Cup as well.

“But this is a very personal decision. I can’t say how much cricket is left in them. Ultimately, it’s up to them as well, it’s up to the players. How much can they contribute to the team’s success. Because, ultimately, it’s the team that is important.

“They still have a lot of cricket (left to play). They’re still world-class players and obviously any team would want to have both of them for as long as possible.”

Gambhir’s style of functioning has often come under scrutiny and he chose to put the record straight.

“It is important to give players the freedom. That is what I absolutely believe in. I don’t want to have a relationship between the head coach and players. The best relationship is the one which is built on trust and that is going to be very important,” Gambhir said.

“I’ve always said a happy dressing room is a winning dressing room. And that is my responsibility alongside the entire support staff. I’ve big shoes to fill, but looking forward to it.”

Strong words which won’t be easy to fulfil.