NEW DELHI: Team India's newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the media on Monday, emphasising that his relationship with star batsman Virat Kohli is a private matter and not a topic for television ratings.
Despite their past disagreements, which were notably visible during their encounters in the Indian Premier League, Gambhir and Kohli will now collaborate as part of the Indian cricket team.
Highlights: Gautam Gambhir press conference
Their first assignment together will be the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which includes both T20 and ODI matches, commencing on July 27.
"My relationship with Virat Kohli is between the two of us and not for TRP," Gambhir said.
In the context of Kohli, Gambhir added, "We have had lots of discussions and everyone has the right fight for their jersey."
Jasprit Bumrah's workload management has become increasingly important following the retirement of senior players Rohit Sharma and Kohli from T20 Internationals, according to Gambhir.
The two experienced batsmen decided to step away from the shortest format of the game after India's victory in the T20 World Cup in November.
"Workload for someone like Jasprit Bumrah is important.
"Now that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play only two formats, I expect them to be available for most games," Gambhir said.
