Best thing would be to sit Gambhir and Kohli down and put an end to it once and for all: Ravi Shastri

Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri has shared his opinion on the on-field fracas between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli that happened during the LSG-RCB clash in Lucknow. Following RCB’s win in the match, tempers flared as Kohli and Gambhir were seen mouthing a few words which garnered massive attention for the wrong reasons.

With the heated exchange of words escalating, members of both teams intervened and separated the two. While the duo has faced backlash over their on-field antics from fans and members of the cricketing fraternity alike, former India cricketer and head coach, Ravi Shastri has urged them to bury the hatchet.

“I think the penny will drop in a day or two. And they will realise that this could have been handled a lot better. Both play for the same state and they have played enough cricket,” Shastri said on Star Sports.

“Gautam is a double World Cup winner, and Virat is an icon. Both come from Delhi. I think the best thing would be to sit them both down and put an end to it. Once and for all,” he added.

I’m afraid you guys crossed the line: Ravi Shastri

Notably, Kohli and Gambhir were fined 100% of their match fees for breaching the Code of Conduct. On the other hand, LSG pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, who was also part of the scuffle, was fined 50% of his match fees. Shastri also added that the ugly on-field scenes should not be tolerated and that the BCCI must intervene and warn the players involved. 

“I think here someone from the governing council or the BCCI should take the initiative where all parties involved are called upfront. And whatever has been said or whatever the history, get in there and nip it in the bud and with a stern warning,” Shastri told ESPNcricinfo.

“Such kind of actions on live television will not be tolerated, especially after a game. But there’s a line. And I’m afraid you guys crossed the line. So, whatever, you guys have to say sort it now, because it won’t be tolerated in the future," he added.