Former Indian cricketer and current coach Gautam Gambhir has given a new nickname to star batsman Virat Kohli, calling him ‘Desi Boy’. The revelation came during an event held for Gambhir’s contributions to cricket, where he was honored and asked to give nicknames to some of his teammates and fellow players.

Both Gambhir and Kohli hail from Delhi, and their shared roots were reflected in the nickname. The two played together in the Delhi state team before representing the national side. While Kohli continues to play actively, Gambhir has transitioned into a coaching role and now serves as India’s main cricket coach. The moniker ‘Desi Boy’ is a nod to their common origins and longstanding friendship.

Gambhir’s relationship with Kohli has been a topic of discussion throughout their cricketing careers. During their time in the Indian Premier League, Kohli captained the Royal Challengers Bangalore, while Gambhir led Kolkata Knight Riders. Their on-field encounters sometimes resulted in disagreements and arguments, including incidents that led to fines for both players. The rivalry continued even when Gambhir served as mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants, where they had confrontations during matches.

However, since Gambhir assumed the role of India’s cricket coach, he has clarified that any past disagreements were limited to on-field situations. He emphasized that off the field, he shares a cordial relationship with Kohli. Kohli, for his part, has chosen not to escalate past incidents into controversy. Despite speculation during the last IPL season that Gambhir played a role in Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket, both maintain a professional rapport.

Apart from Kohli, Gambhir also assigned nicknames to other prominent cricketers as a gesture recognizing their playing style, personality, or contributions to the game. Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar was labeled ‘Clutch’ for his ability to perform under pressure, while Jasprit Bumrah earned the nickname ‘Speed’ for his pace and accuracy. Shubman Gill was called the ‘Most Stylish Player’, and Rahul Dravid received the title ‘Mr. Consistent’ for his reliable performances over the years.

Veteran batsman V.V.S. Laxman was named the ‘Run Machine’, reflecting his ability to construct crucial innings, while former fast bowler Zaheer Khan was honored as the ‘Death Over Specialist’ for his skill in the final overs of matches. Rising star Rishabh Pant was dubbed the ‘Most Funny’ for his jovial and entertaining personality both on and off the field.

The nicknaming event was part of a ceremony held during the Delhi Premier League final, where Gambhir was invited as a special guest. He received recognition for his extensive contributions to Indian cricket, both as a player and a mentor. During the occasion, Gambhir fondly recalled moments from his playing days and shared anecdotes about his teammates, highlighting their achievements and distinctive qualities.

Gambhir’s gesture of assigning nicknames reflects not only his respect for his colleagues but also the camaraderie and friendships forged over years of playing together. These nicknames serve as a light-hearted yet meaningful acknowledgment of the unique traits and talents of each player.

Observers noted that Gambhir’s choice of nicknames captures both the personality and cricketing strengths of the players. While some highlight individual skills, such as Bumrah’s pace or Zaheer’s death-over expertise, others reflect their impact on the team and the sport, like Tendulkar’s clutch performances or Dravid’s consistency. Gambhir’s approach demonstrates his deep understanding of the game and his appreciation for the contributions of his peers.

The event also underscored the enduring connection between Gambhir and players from his generation, including Kohli, with whom he shares a professional history spanning state, IPL, and national-level cricket. Their interactions, once marked by competitive tension, now exemplify mutual respect and acknowledgment of each other’s achievements.

Through the nicknaming exercise, Gambhir not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also highlighted the bonds and mentorship that define Indian cricket. By recognizing both veteran players and younger talents, he bridged generational gaps and reinforced the culture of respect and admiration within the team.

Fans and cricket enthusiasts appreciated Gambhir’s humorous yet insightful nicknames, which have generated discussions on social media. Many noted that the names capture the essence of each player’s style and character, making the list memorable and endearing. The affectionate naming of Kohli as ‘Desi Boy’ in particular resonated with supporters, highlighting his Delhi roots and his rapport with Gambhir.

The ceremony reinforced Gambhir’s role as a mentor and influencer in Indian cricket, reflecting his ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and honoring the sport’s history. By acknowledging his teammates and players with these nicknames, Gambhir celebrated not just individual excellence but also the collective spirit of Indian cricket.