Squabble Over? War Memes End With Kohli-Gambhir’s Unexpected Hug During RCB vs. KKR

The Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2024 match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was billed as the “el clasico” between Virat Kohli and KKR coach Gautam Gambhir. Cricket fans were anticipating fireworks and a blowout on the internet at the first sign of conflict between them, after their notorious night in Lucknow last year.

But on Friday, during the RCB vs. KKR game, the so-called “rivals” put an end to their rivalry with an unprecedented embrace that went viral. After the sixteenth over, during the pause, Gambhir and Kohli embraced and spoke briefly before grinning at one other. Gambhir welcomed Kohli with an embrace as he refilled his water bottle, most likely to congratulate him on reaching his half-century mark. Tensions eased, smiles spread, and the rivalry that had been expected turned into an unexpected show of sportsmanship.

Actually, the “excitement” that had been fueled by supporters hoping for a fierce clash was extinguished by their cordial discussion, which put a stop to the ardent expectation. Social media was inundated with memes that mockingly illustrated the disillusionment of those who had been anticipating a titanic match but were suddenly short on fodder for their “Gambhir vs. Kohli” gags.

For those who are not aware of the background, umpire intervention was prompted by an altercation between LSG spinner Naveen-ul-Haq and captain Virat Kohli during an IPL 2023 match. A heated handshake later, Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq shook hands. A short while later, players interfered to break up the confrontation between Gambhir and Kohli, who were each lunging at the other. All three players received harsh punishments from the BCCI for their behaviour.

The excitement for this year’s match was heightened by a video of Kohli giving Gambhir a cold look during KKR’s practice session. Ironically, the match finished with a touching hug.

Bengaluru’s problems were exacerbated when, led by Shreyas Iyer, KKR outperformed Faf du Plessis’s RCB, winning by seven wickets in spite of Kohli’s heroic 83 off 59 balls.