Ex-ICC umpire recalls Kohli-Gambhir’s IPL spat, says ‘there’s a limit that shouldn’t be crossed’ | Cricket News

RCB vs KKR match in Bengaluru (Image: Agencies)

Former Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary has reflected on Virat Kohli‘s fiery on-field personality, recalling the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star’s infamous altercation with Gautam Gambhir during the 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL). While praising Kohli’s passion and intensity, Chaudhary stressed that aggression is an essential part of cricket, provided it does not cross the line.Speaking on JioHotstar, Chaudhary, who has officiated Kohli’s matches since his junior cricket days in Delhi, said the former India captain has always been an emotional cricketer but never carries ill intent.

‘I’ve known Virat since childhood’

Chaudhary revealed that his long association with Kohli helped him understand the batter’s personality beyond his aggressive on-field image.“Actually, my advantage with Virat was that I had officiated his matches since childhood, so I have known him for a long time. He doesn’t have any malice,” Chaudhary said on JioHotstar.He added that Kohli’s intensity is often misunderstood, as the star batter is equally appreciative when officials make the right decisions.“He reacts aggressively sometimes, but if you’re right, he’ll give you a thumbs up too. Between overs, he’ll come over and put a hand around your waist. But he is lively throughout. Players like him should be there; otherwise, the game will get boring,” he added.

Chaudhary recalls Kohli-Gambhir’s heated 2013 IPL exchange

The veteran umpire also looked back at the much-talked-about confrontation between Kohli and Gautam Gambhir during an IPL 2013 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders. According to Chaudhary, such incidents were not entirely unexpected given the competitive nature of players from northern India.“I knew something like that would happen because all of them from the North play with aggression. I have played local cricket too, and our players have always played like this. If they don’t play with that aggression, their performances won’t come out as well. The flavour of the game won’t be there if you put too many restrictions on the players. But there’s a limit, and it shouldn’t be crossed,” Ex-umpire concluded. During an IPL 2013 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir were involved in a heated on-field altercation. The incident occurred after Kohli was dismissed for 35 by Laxmipathy Balaji while chasing 155. Instead of walking straight back to the pavilion, Kohli exchanged words near the bowler, prompting Gambhir to confront him. The two captains engaged in a tense face-off before KKR all-rounder Rajat Bhatia intervened and separated them, preventing the situation from escalating further.

Kohli’s focus now firmly on ODI cricket

Virat Kohli’s most recent international appearance came in the ODI series against England at Lord’s on July 19, 2026. Having already retired from T20 Internationals and stepped away from Test cricket, Kohli is now exclusively focused on the 50-over format as India prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup.The batting great heads into the upcoming season on the back of another outstanding IPL campaign. Kohli played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning run in IPL 2026, scoring 675 runs. He also produced a match-winning unbeaten 75 off 42 balls in the final against Gujarat Titans.

Kohli’s next international assignment will be India’s three-match ODI series against the West Indies, beginning on September 27, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram.