Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir blamed Pakistan fans for his inappropriate gesture during the clash between the arch-rivals on Saturday during the Asia Cup 2023.
However, video footage revealed that Gambhir showed his middle finger to a section of fans after hearing chants of ‘Kohli, Kohli’.
“The crowd that was made up of Pakistani fans were shouting anti-India slogans were also passing comments on Kashmir. As an Indian, I can’t take anyone saying this about my country, hence I reacted this way. What you see on social media isn’t always the correct picture,” Gambhir said while talking to media on Monday.
Earlier this year, Gambhir had said his rivalry with any player, be it Kohli or Dhoni, is only on the field and there’s nothing personal about it.
“My relationship with M.S. Dhoni and Virat Kohli are the same. If there is an argument between us, it stays only on the field, not off field. There’s nothing personal. They want to win as much as I do," the two-time World Cup winner said.
During this year’s Indian Premier League, Kohli and Gambhir also had a heated exchange after Royal Challengers Bangalore's victory over Lucknow Super Giants and had to be separated by Faf du Plessis and KL Rahul.
The duo also had a verbal spat in the 2013 edition of the IPL.
Pakistan will face India once again during the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 after both teams booked their spot in the Super 4 round of the event.
After India’s win over Nepal on Monday, the Men in Blue became the second team to qualify for Super 4 from Group A after Pakistan.
The arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, will lock horns in the Super 4 round on Sunday, September 10.
The match is likely to be played in Hambantota since the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is considering shifting the matches from Colombo, which was initially the venue for Super 4 fixtures, due to poor weather.
- Gautam Gambhir