The history between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir is widely known. Teammates while playing for India from 2008 to 2011, their relationship took a competitive, even tense, turn during an unfortunate encounter in the 2012 Indian Premier League. The competitive confrontation between the two continued in this year’s IPL, with Gambhir’s seemingly aggressive handshake with Kohli after a match between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Royal Challengers Bangalore drawing unwanted media attention.

However, the tension seemed to have diffused when Kohli and Gambhir posed for a photo together, a seemingly symbolic act to quell media rumors. This peace turned out to be fleeting, with a later altercation between Kohli and Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq dragging Gambhir into the fray. Subsequently, a video surfaced showing Gambhir’s stern reaction to ‘Kohli-Kohli’ chants, setting the stage for the recent controversy that has left the cricketing world aghast.

Gambhir’s unprofessional act during a high-stakes match places him in an unfavorable light. Known as a World Cup champion, such behavior is unexpected and unbecoming, especially considering how Gambhir, in the past, has managed to remain composed under constant Kohli-related taunts.

This latest incident provides a vivid reminder of the responsibilities that come with fame. A lesson seemingly for all aspiring athletes: the spotlight not only illuminates a player’s performance on the field but equally amplifies their off-field behavior, for better or worse.