Virat Kohli Gautam Gambhir Full Interview

Summary

In this insightful conversation, two cricket legends reflect on their illustrious careers, discussing the importance of Test cricket and the challenges of leading the Indian team. They delve into the mindset required for successful run chases, the art of staying in the 'zone,' and the significance of creating a strong team culture. The dialogue also touches on the balance between personal milestones and team success, offering a glimpse into the strategies and philosophies that have shaped their legacies in the sport.

Takeaways

• 🏆 The conversation reflects on the journey of the Indian cricket team and the legacy left for the next generation.
• 🌟 A significant emphasis is placed on the importance of Test cricket and how it shapes a player's character and legacy.
• 🎯 The discussion highlights the evolution of Indian cricket, from the early days to the current success, focusing on the team's spirit and achievements.
• 🏏 The role of a strong bowling lineup is underscored as a key factor in the success of the Indian cricket team in Test matches.
• 🌐 The conversation touches upon the challenges of balancing personal life with professional cricket, especially the commitment required for international tours.
• 🏌️‍♂️ The mindset and approach of players during crucial innings, such as the pursuit of personal milestones versus team needs, are discussed.
• 🔮 The concept of being 'in the zone' during critical moments in a match is explored, with personal anecdotes from the players' experiences.
• 🗣️ The dialogue addresses the impact of on-field banter and sledging, and how it can influence a player's performance and mental state.
• 🤝 The importance of creating a culture within the team that fosters trust, unity, and a shared vision for the betterment of Indian cricket is emphasized.
• 📈 The conversation looks forward to upcoming challenges, including a packed test season and the Champions Trophy, with optimism and a focus on continued success.

Q & A

What was the significance of the 50 Gambir innings mentioned in the script?

The 50 Gambir innings was significant as it was a well-paced innings under pressure, showcasing the player's ability to perform well in crucial situations.

How did the script describe the atmosphere in Mumbai after India's World Cup win?

The script described the atmosphere in Mumbai as celebratory and energetic, with the feeling of the victory still palpable even after 28 years.

What was the main reason the interviewee decided to take up the coaching role for the Indian cricket team?

The main reason was the honor of representing the country again, the challenge of contributing to the team, and the exciting tour schedule including the Champions Trophy, T20 World Cup, and 5 World Cup.

How did the support of family play a role in the interviewee's decision to coach?

Family support was crucial for the interviewee to take up the coaching role, as it involved being away from home for extended periods and managing personal responsibilities.

What was the interviewee's mindset when he thought of Test Cricket growing up?

The interviewee considered Test Cricket as the pinnacle of the sport and his primary aspiration was to play Test Cricket for India, viewing it as the highest level of the game.

How did the interviewee approach the challenge of leading a young Indian cricket team?

The interviewee approached it by planning and strategizing, focusing on building a strong bowling unit, identifying the need for batsmen who could bat long, and giving ownership to key players.

What was the interviewee's view on the importance of Test Cricket in shaping a cricketer's legacy?

The interviewee believed that Test Cricket was crucial in shaping a cricketer's legacy, as it required more than just skill; it demanded discipline, patience, fight, and other personal qualities.

How did the interviewee describe his experience of being in 'the zone' during a cricket match?

The interviewee described being in 'the zone' as a divine experience, where he was completely focused and zoned out, not even uttering a word for hours, which was key to his performance.

What was the interviewee's strategy for planning a successful run chase in cricket?

The interviewee's strategy was clarity and motivation to win. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the required result rather than individual scores and being adaptable to the situation.

How did the interviewee handle confrontations with the opposition during matches?

The interviewee sometimes sought confrontations as they could help him get into 'the zone' and perform better. He believed in staying true to one's personality and using such confrontations as a motivational tool.

Outlines

00:00

🏆 Reflecting on a Legendary Career and Transition to Coaching

The paragraph begins with a nostalgic reflection on India's victory in the World Cup after a 28-year gap, followed by a discussion on the evolution of cricket and the players' journey. The conversation shifts to the decision to coach, which was not initially considered by the player. The honor of representing the country again and the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding career are highlighted. The player's early aspirations to play for India and the influence of the Kotla grounds on his cricketing dreams are also shared, emphasizing the importance of Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport.

05:00

🔥 The Importance of Test Cricket and Building a Winning Culture

This paragraph delves into the significance of Test cricket, with both players agreeing on its importance in shaping a strong cricketing culture. The conversation covers the transition of Indian cricket, the challenge of leading a young team, and the strategy behind building a successful Test side. The paragraph also touches on the need for a strong bowling lineup and the role of individual players in contributing to the team's success. The importance of discipline, patience, and the ability to fight for long periods in Test matches is emphasized, along with the idea of creating a culture that values Test cricket.

10:01

🎯 The Art of Bowling and the Zen of Cricket

The focus of this paragraph is on the art of bowling, particularly in the longer formats of the game. It discusses the contributions of various bowlers to the Indian team and the value they bring to the sport. The paragraph also explores the mindset of bowlers who find peace and focus in their craft, leading to a strong and successful bowling lineup. The conversation highlights the importance of identifying and nurturing players who have a passion for bowling and the role of such individuals in shaping the team's performance in Test cricket.

15:04

🚀 The Zone of Excellence and the Mentality of a Winner

In this paragraph, the players discuss the concept of 'being in the zone,' a state of heightened focus and performance. They share personal experiences and techniques that help them achieve this state, such as listening to Hanuman Chalisa or chanting om Nam sh. The conversation also covers the importance of staying in the present and maintaining clarity of purpose during a match, especially during a run chase. The players emphasize the need for mental toughness and the ability to adapt one's game based on the situation, rather than sticking to a predetermined approach.

Keywords

💡World Cup

The World Cup refers to the international championship series of various sports, including cricket. In the context of the video, it highlights the significance of the cricket World Cup, where India won after 28 years, marking a historic moment. The script mentions the 'Party begins in Mumbai' following this victory, indicating the national celebration and the pride associated with this achievement.

💡Innings

An innings in cricket is one team's turn to bat, consisting of multiple overs. The term is used in the script to describe a well-paced and strategic batting performance under pressure, which is crucial for a team's success. The script praises a player's innings, noting it as a key factor in India's progress in the tournament.

💡Legacy

Legacy in this context refers to the lasting impact or the heritage left behind by a player or a team for future generations. The script discusses how a player's performance and contribution to the team have set a standard for the next generation to follow, emphasizing the importance of setting a positive legacy in sports.

💡Coaching

Coaching in the script is discussed as a potential career path for a player post-retirement. It involves guiding and training a team, drawing from one's own experiences and skills. The conversation reveals the player's initial surprise at the prospect of coaching India, highlighting the unexpected turns a sportsperson's career can take.

💡Champions Trophy

The Champions Trophy is an international cricket tournament, mentioned in the script as one of the upcoming challenges for the team. It signifies the continuous cycle of competitions in sports and the need for teams to prepare and perform at their best consistently.

💡Test Cricket

Test Cricket is the longest form of cricket, played over five days, and is considered the pinnacle of the sport. The script emphasizes the importance of Test Cricket in evaluating a player's character and skills. It discusses how a player's legacy is often associated with their performance in Test matches, as it requires discipline, patience, and a comprehensive skill set.

💡Mentality

Mentality in the script refers to the mindset and attitude of a player, which is crucial for performing under pressure and achieving success. It is discussed in the context of a player's approach to batting, where the focus is on the team's victory rather than personal milestones, highlighting the importance of a team-oriented mentality.

💡Sledging

Sledging is the act of engaging in verbal duels or banter with the opposition, often intended to distract or unsettle the other team. The script mentions how some players use confrontation as a motivational tool, suggesting that it can help them get into 'the zone' and perform better.

💡Zone

Being 'in the zone' is a state of peak performance and focus, where an athlete is completely absorbed in the game. The script describes how certain players achieve this state through rituals or mental focus, allowing them to perform at their best. It is presented as a desirable state that can significantly impact a player's performance.

💡Run Chase

A run chase in cricket is the act of scoring the required number of runs set by the opposing team within a stipulated number of overs. The script discusses the strategy and mental approach required for a successful run chase, emphasizing the need for clarity, motivation, and adaptability in the player's approach.

💡Culture

Culture in the context of the script refers to the collective values, attitudes, and behaviors that define a team's identity. It is discussed as a critical aspect of team performance, with the need to create a culture that fosters trust, belief, and a shared goal of team success, which is essential for a cohesive and high-performing team.

Highlights

Veri recalls a memorable innings under pressure, highlighting the significance of pacing and the importance of teamwork.

The conversation begins with a reflection on the long journey and the end of 'all the Masala', suggesting a transition or change.

The discussion moves to the role of coaching and whether it was ever considered during the player's career.

A tribute is paid to the player's debut and the significant innings played, particularly the one against Pakistan.

The player's legacy and how they've taken Indian cricket forward is discussed, emphasizing the impact on the next generation.

The player expresses surprise at the coaching role, highlighting the honor and the challenge of returning to the dressing room.

The importance of family support in taking up challenging roles is mentioned, underlining the balance between personal and professional life.

The aspiration to play Test cricket for India is shared, with a focus on the quality of technique and temperament required.

The conversation delves into the mindset of growing up as a cricketer, with a focus on Test cricket as the pinnacle.

The player discusses the transition from a player to a leader, focusing on building a strong bowling unit and a cohesive team.

The importance of creating a culture in the change room is emphasized, with a focus on discipline, patience, and fight.

The player shares the secret to being in 'the zone' during a match, highlighting the mental aspect of the game.

The conversation touches on the challenge of motivating the next generation of cricketers to value Test cricket.

The player reflects on a specific innings against Australia, discussing the mindset and the importance of being grounded.

The discussion concludes with a look forward to the upcoming test season and the excitement of creating new memories and successes.

Transcripts

Veri showing his

class that's a good shot over Extra

cover 50 gambir and it's a very well

paced Innings this under pressure India

left the World Cup after 28 years the

Party begins in

Mumbai what a video what a day we can

still feel that day and and its uh

energy so here we are we've come a long

way and here we are putting an end to

all the

Masala that's a good one that's that's a

good start to the conversation and all

the spice

[Music]

so we have come a long way from UM

playing together for a long time um me

coming into the team when you guys were

obviously established and you know had

that that amazing dressing room that I

became a part of to playing a lot of

cricket together to having our ups and

downs but everything in good spirit of

course of course firstly I wanted to ask

you while playing would you have thought

that you would be in this place in this

role not in India but in General did you

have a an intent to coach at any point

in your career okay first let me start

this when you spoke about we came a long

way thing is I saw you making your debut

to playing that really important very

good knock in Champions Trophy in South

Africa on a tricky Wicket against West

Indies against a really good attack and

then playing probably the best one-day

inning that has been played by an Indian

and I've said it before not here because

he sitting in front of may have said it

not purely from a point of view because

guys have got double hunds as well when

I talk about because it's the best

inning I've seen is because the quality

of opposition the attack the conditions

chasing 300 plus against Pakistan so

you've come along with and you've done

some really special things and most

importantly for me I think how you've

taken Indian pret forward is probably

the Legacy what you've left for the Next

Generation to follow thank you thank you

very much now if you can answer me my

question yeah the question never thought

about in fact never thought about

coaching India even couple of months

back if you ask me the reason I

obviously first it's an absolute honor

to be representing your country once

again coming back in the dressing room

what youve where you spent a lot of time

and you've done some special things had

some great memories with all of you guys

and you look forward looking at the kind

of Tours we've got Champions Trophy

there is and there is T20 World Cup and

5 World Cup so obviously sometimes you

want to challenge yourself and keep

pushing yourself for forward and that

was one of the reasons why I thought

that yes I can contribute when youve got

a younger family and spending 10 months

on the road away from your two girls and

then it will always be challenging but

then again unless and until you do not

have the support of the family it is

always difficult to take up these

decisions 100% And I guess if the

challenge is not exciting enough for you

to be away from your family you you're

not able to do

it I I am for fortunate enough that I I

grew up in a time where when and I

clearly remember when we used to have

kotla 1 and kotla 2 and we used to you

know you guys before you played for

India there used to be ranji trophy

camps happening in kotlan so when we

came through the the clubhouse and we

came down the steps and we used to walk

in that Corridor in front of the change

rooms every time we looked on the left

there was this thing of man I want to be

there like you know it was it was just

this is something else this is a

different level and we saw the

difference in the level because I guess

the the idea was to play test Cricket

for India and that was always the goal

and and you could see the quality in

technique in temperament in the quality

of Fielding sessions and you were like

this is where I want to be this was my

first aspiration was I want to play

First Class Cricket for Delhi that this

is the highest level and I guess for you

guys at that time your reality was

completely different because you had

reached there so what was your mind

mindset when you thought of test Cricket

growing up as a cricketer I still feel

the same I think it is the Pinnacle and

that is all I wanted to I remember

making my one day debut before my test

debut and for me the most special moment

is receiving a cal from po umri my test

Cal and it still remains my best memory

in uh in cricket yes because the thing

is for us especially for someone like me

or for you when we were growing up there

was no T20 format at that and there was

no IPL as well so all we had was looking

forward to First Class cricket and then

getting into the team and then making it

making into the test side yes obviously

you wanted to play 50 over format as

well but you we growing up as kids or

probably growing up in the cricket

environment we always thought that we

will always be judged by what we do in

Red Ball cricket and the Legacy that you

can leave behind that can only happen is

when you start doing well in test

cricket and that's the reason why I feel

that you guys are the touch players of

test Cricket because you have played a

massive role when you spoke about how

important test ret is for you because in

today's day and age I think the

challenge will always remain how we can

motivate the next generation of

cricketers to keep thinking the same way

how you or people in your of your

generation have thought about this and

if we can continue doing that with the

Next Generation I think Indian cricket

will be really strong and I'm a very

strong believer without in one think

that the stronger your test team is the

stronger your Cricket is no I I

completely agree with that that now you

can understand where the competition

comes from because the the perspective

is very similar uh and the thing that

excited me about test cricket and when I

was coming up and and I had the chance

to leave the test side was the challenge

we were transitioning then when you guys

had had made way for for a younger team

and uh myi was always he he left T

captaincy So for me it was like oh I

have this I'm 25 and I have this team of

25 24 4 year olds and how do we become

that team that is household names like

you guys became and I was like I sat

down and I thought I really need to plan

this out it just can't happen by chance

when I started thinking from the point

of view where Indian cricket has to be

in 7 years time the solutions came we

need a group of fast Bowlers we need

batsman who can bat long we need to give

ownership to to five batters and a

keeper to get us 350 400 runs we can't

have a seventh option to give cushion to

the Batters so all these things started

playing in my mind and then the

communication happened accordingly it

was purely because of the challenge that

was in front of me and I remember it

excited me I didn't feel like oh I don't

want any part of this and that's when I

was like I'm all in and this is the

vision and this is where we're going to

go and I guess that's how you create

culture in the change room and and what

is your point of view today where we

stand creating that culture is something

that you would look at as as your

challenge in this Ro I can understand

what you must have gone through

25-year-old boy taking up the test

captaincy and then what you did

brilliantly was that you had built a

really really strong bowling unit yeah

and test matches are

won by taking 20 wickets till the time

you don't have a strong bowling lineup

you will and that is what made you the

most successful test captain in the

country for sure and the credit has to

go to you because as a batter it is very

easy to have strong six seven batters

putting runs on the board but the way

you identified and more importantly the

attitude what you got on the field with

the fast Bowlers especially imagine

having people like shami bura ishan UMES

and then winning overseas and I remember

you playing that knock in Adelaide where

you were India was chasing 400 that was

your first game as Captain and then you

still wanted to win that test match and

that is the mindset which you want

that's the culture and that's why I say

when you talk about what culture do we

want to bring in going forward that

people want to play Red Ball cricket and

the the best format in cricket if you

want to judge someone's personality if

you want to judge someone's character is

push him in test cricket and you'll get

to know everything about him because

it's actually to be a successful

cricketer or a player in test Cricket

you don't need to be the most skillful

you need much much more Beyond being the

most talented and the skillful cricketer

you need discipline you need patience

you need fight you need compassion you

need emotions you need sympathy you need

everything because you fight for 5 days

and still you don't know whether you

going to get the results or not right so

I feel that if we can build that culture

where people come in and say this is the

priority and when you spoke

about having a strong W ball team I

think a lot will depend on a next

generation of pollers yeah because you

know we will keep getting batters we

will keep getting quality batters and

that is how the structure in Indian

cricket has been formed but to the red

to the

younger generation has the motivation to

go out there and Bowl 20 overs for

example I spoke to just P yesterday he

just loves bowling yeah he just wants to

bowl yeah but do the next generation of

fast Bowers have that enjoyment to Bowl

20 overs in a day in chennai's heat

whether the spinner is bowling 30 overs

in a day do you enjoy doing that if you

enjoy doing that that's the only way

you'll be motivated to play Red Ball

cricket and that is where I think it is

important and there's got to be a

challenge for all of us to figure out

who those guys are especially having a

strong bowling lineup if you look at our

uh the generation of Bowlers we've just

had when you talk about ishan Sharma the

first thing that comes to mind is the

spell at Perth to Ricky Ponting as a

youngster uh if you talk about his

Cricket career ishan Sharma 100 plus

test matches for India um Zahir Khan

these many wickets for India in test

cricket and a great 50 over World Cup

Muhammad shami is not a world-renowned

bowler because he's a a great T20 bowler

he's one of the best test Bowlers in the

world and what he did in the 54 World

Cup adds value Abra when we speak about

Abra we don't talk about his T20 Yorkers

yesterday we were talking about this he

is the most complete all format B yes so

when you bring in value of a cricketer

you cannot place that value separating

the other two formats the value of and

if you really want to be valued as a

cricketer which I guess we all want to

understand our respect that we gain in

Cricket World world or with our peers

it's always going to come with the other

longer formats as well and the same with

SJ the USP of a SJ today is he wants to

play test Cricket and he's hungry to do

well in test cricket and he wants to win

away from from home so I guess these are

the values that you know other

cricketers can look up to even from the

current lot Abra is not from the

generation that when we started but they

still have that drive so I guess it's to

identify those individuals as well one

thing which is very common that they

enjoy doing what they're doing and they

for that m not even enjoy they love

doing what they're doing so that is

something Muhammad s just Muhammad shami

for that matter he loves these guys they

love bowling for them it was kind of

meditation for them it was kind of Peace

because when they were bowling they were

in that zone and that's the reason why

India had such such a strong bowling

line and hopefully in coming future we

can identify those kind of guys who love

bowling and who wants to just go out

there and keep doing it day and day out

[Music]

let's talk about a few moments in India

Australia series and I guess the most

special one for you would be your double

100 in your home ground I won't talk

about the elbow because I can understand

why the elbow would have

happened but I want to talk about the

mindset um of the Innings and in that

particular Innings what keeps you

grounded and anchored great question

it's a really uh important thing I think

for me I think rather than talking about

me I remember when you had that bumper

Series in Australia where you scored

heaps and heaps of runs you telling me

that you kept saying om Nam sh before

every delivery yeah and that got you in

that zone and for me it was exactly the

same when I played in Napo and if I look

back can I B for another 2 and 1 half

days I don't think so I could have ever

done that again but the only thing I did

throughout those 2 and A2 days was

listening to Hanuman chalis M so for you

getting into that zone before every

delivery was chanting om Nam sh for me

listening to Hanuman chisha got me in

that zone when I talk about being in

that zone the reason I say that is that

very few times in your career you can

actually be in that zone and it's it's

divine to be in that zone because only

you can experience I remember lakshman

telling me when I was batting on day

five at napia and uh after that first

session we were walking back and he told

me that do you even realize that you did

not utter a word for 2 hours even

between the overs and actually I

realized that that I did not even say a

word all I did between overs was just

not it and then when I got back all I

did was put on Hanuman chisa and got

back in my zone so for 2 and a half days

it was as if I was completely zoned out

and I have never been in that zone ever

in my life after that so I can imagine

how good that feeling is to be in that

zone and I'm sure you must have

experienced this many more times as

compared to what I have unless and until

you've not experienced that you will

never be able to understand what it is

to be in that zone right the biggest

factor factor for all of us being in

this environment is we want to win and

from that motivation everything starts

working backwards I've had many young

guys come to me and ask me how do you do

uh the calculation in a Chase I always

tell them for me a Chase has always been

Clarity you know exactly what you need

to do and if your motivation is to win

you will find a way you you can't say

this is the way I play and great if you

get to the result for me it's always

been I want the result first and if that

requires me to play aggressive Cricket

I'll play aggressive Cricket it requires

me to run I'll run it requires me to

play Shots on the ground I will play

Shots on the ground if it requires me to

leave the ball for 3 hours I will leave

the ball for 3 hours and I guess if you

don't

want that that Victory so badly you will

not be able to work out the solutions is

is that something something that you

also feel a youngster comes to you and

talk about that how do you plan a run

chase the only way you can plan a run

Chase is when you're not looking at your

individual score you're looking at what

you need to achieve where you need to

reach what is the target where you want

to be if that is a Target and that is

where actually I fumbled in 2011 World

Cup final and when people talk to when

people ask me about did I have to play

that sh or why did I play that short the

reason why I played that short because

before that short I was only thinking

about what I need what we needed to

Chase and the moment you reach 97 and

then you start thinking I'm just one

shot away from getting my own Milestone

and how am I going to celebrate whether

I'm going to celebrate like this first

Indian to score 100 in the World Cup

final and the disappointment was not

missing out on 100 the disappointment

was giving the opposition a breather

imagine getting opposition back in the

game so I feel that these are small

small things which the Next Generation

has to think from a point of view that

how important it is to stay in the

present because all you can control in

cricket is that moment that one

particular contest what has happened has

happened what's going to happen has not

happened has yet so for me I think if

and that is also mental toughness if you

can do that I think that is also one way

of being in that zone yeah I wanted to

ask you one question about um when we

have especially when you're batting

because in the field it's easy to have

altercations with the opposition and

carry on but when you're batting and you

have a bit of a chat with the opposition

did you ever feel like this might carry

on to you going out of the zone and you

potentially getting out or it put you in

a more motivated space you've had more

alteration than I

have I I think you can answer that

question better than I can

[Laughter]

that's the personality you have that's

the personality I had I sometimes wanted

that yeah confrontation I wanted it

honestly sometimes I wanted that okay

and sometime that confrontation can get

you in that zone as well come what me

yeah and that's the reason and see and I

don't want guys to change one bit yeah

for me EX for example and you don't want

guys to change either because if

tomorrow when you will look back at your

career and someone would ask you the

same question that would you regret

anything in your career that you've had

so many alter confrontations with the

opposition you would say not at all

because ultimately it's about how you

can get the results how you can score

runs yeah and I don't think so that uh

ever in my life I've I've had sledging

with the all position it has probably

got me out of that zone all it has done

is probably helped me more as compared

to probably help me less we've had a

lengthy discussion on a lot of things

which has been wonderful and from from

How I see things moving forward is to I

guess create a culture where as you're

saying we're not worried about what's

being said on the outside and and that

can only happen with trust and belief

that all decisions that are taken are

only for one goal which is for the

betterment of the team and in in intern

Indian cricket the guys will be excited

and happy and I'm sure that that looking

forward to this test season with with 10

test matches and obviously Champions

Trophy coming up as well it'll be

exciting one it'll be one with a lot of

uh exciting moments a lot of memories to

create and uh hopefully a lot of success

for us as a team as well so we the next

guest is Rohit mhm what do you want me

to ask what should be the first question

to rooh Sharma I think it's a very

simple question for

so that's I guess all from us thank you

goti for having this amazing chat and

answering um my questions and I guess a

lot of the public questions elaborately

as well so until next time