‘GG is not even playing!’ - Shane Watson gives his verdict on Kohli-Gambhir spat

The Gautam Gambhir vs Virat Kohli episode after the match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2023 season is still the talk of the town. Most of the former cricketers believe such incidents mist be avoided and former Australia international Shane Watson is the latest one to comment.

Watson believes that being competitive on the field is fine but once the match is over, there is no room for having a heated argument in the middle. The 41-year-old added that the fans do not want to see cricketers getting involved in such acts. He also went on to add that Gambhir is no more playing for his side, thus it is difficult for him to understand why the former cricketer got involved in the first place.

“Being competitive on the field is great, I'm all for that. That's where people are at their best… it hones their instincts and focusses their mind. But when that boils over off the field, that's when you got to leave it. On the field, you can have a crack because you're fighting for survival, trying to win and be at your best. Once the game's done, the game's done. Let's just move on,” Watson said on The Grade Cricketer podcast.

“What happened with Virat and Gautam Gambhir... no one wants to see that boil over. GG's not even playing!” he added.

I don't see why the coach or any part of the coaching department is involved: Michael Vaughan

Former England coach Michael Vaughan was also surprised to see Gambhir getting involved. The 48-year-old stated that on-field spats among cricketers can happen in between but the coaching staff should not get involved.

“I don't mind players having small confrontations. It's just the game. You don't wanna see it every day but I do not like seeing coaches get involved. I don't see why the coach or any part of the coaching department is involved in the game. What goes on the field stays on the field. If there is an argument between two players, they need to sort it out. Coaches should be in the dugout or the dressing room looking at strategies,” Vaughan said at the post-match show on Cricbuzz.