Mumbai: India's newly-appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir, made a definitive statement on Monday regarding his relationship with batting stalwart Virat Kohli, asserting that their dynamic is not for public spectacle but focused on shared goals. The duo, known for their occasional on-field clashes during the IPL, will now collaborate starting with India's upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka commencing on July 27.

Addressing a press conference alongside chief selector Ajit Agarkar ahead of the Sri Lanka tour featuring three T20 Internationals and as many ODIs, Gambhir emphasised the private nature of his rapport with Kohli. "Good for the TRP, but my relationship is not public. What kind of a relationship I share with Virat Kohli... I think it's between two mature individuals," Gambhir stated firmly.

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Regarding their professional collaboration, Gambhir highlighted the importance of unity while representing India. "On the field, everyone has the right to fight for their jersey and contribute to a winning team environment. But at the moment, we're representing India, representing 140 crore Indians, and I'm sure we're going to be on the same page and try to make India proud," he affirmed.

Kohli, who recently retired from T20 Internationals, remains a pivotal figure in India's ODI squad for the Sri Lanka series. Gambhir acknowledged that he and Kohli share a strong off-field relationship. "We have a very good relationship off the field... and that will continue. But publicly defining the nature of our relationship is not necessary. Right now, our focus is on working extremely hard to bring pride to India," Gambhir emphasised.

Transitioning to discussing his coaching staff, Gambhir disclosed that former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and Netherlands cricketer Ryan ten Doeschate, both of whom collaborated with him during his tenure as mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, will join the Indian coaching setup for the Sri Lanka tour.

Expressing satisfaction with the support provided by the BCCI, Gambhir noted that most of his staffing requests had been accommodated. "I'm really happy with the BCCI. They have agreed with most of the things I've asked for. The core support staff will remain unchanged," he stated. For the Sri Lanka tour, Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate will serve as assistant coaches, while T Dilip continues as the fielding coach and Sairaj Bahutule as the interim bowling coach.

Gambhir confirmed that additional details about his complete support staff would be finalised after the Sri Lanka tour. "The full composition of the support staff will be known post the Sri Lanka tour," he clarified, highlighting the ongoing adjustments and preparations for his coaching tenure with the Indian team.

On a whole, Gambhir emphasised his and Kohli's commitment to their roles and responsibilities, steering clear of publicised controversies and focusing instead on delivering results and upholding India's cricketing pride on the international stage. PTI