Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli, known for their on-field aggression, share their faith in God during tough matches.

Gambhir drew strength from the Hanuman Chalisa during a Test against New Zealand, while Kohli chanted ‘Om Namah Shivay’ during his successful series in Australia.

Both players emphasize the importance of divine connection in achieving peak performance.

Agencies Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli

One common thought that comes to mind when any Indian cricket follower thinks of India’s current head coach Gautam Gambhir and star batter Virat Kohli is not their tremendous records, but their on-field aggression and sheer passion for the game, which make them formidable opponents.

Both Gambhir and Kohli may come across as tough players who have won many matches for India and are true inspirations for budding cricketers due to their various qualities.

However, when it comes to drawing their inner strength in times of need, both turn to God or the divine.

In an unconventional chat session shared by the BCCI on its official website, both stars of the game shared their experiences in a freewheeling conversation and opened up about their faith in God, which they both share.

Gambhir recalled how he drew strength from the “Hanuman Chalisa” when he was trying to save a Test match against New Zealand in Napier nearly a decade and a half ago. Gambhir managed to play a tremendous innings, enabling him to save the match.

Meanwhile, Kohli echoed similar sentiments, recalling a moment in 2014 when he scored four Test hundreds under tough conditions in Australia, repeatedly chanting “Om Namah Shivay” to draw strength from Lord Shiva.

“Let’s talk about a few moments in the India-Australia series. The most special one was the double hundred at home. I want to discuss the mindset during that innings. What keeps you grounded and anchored?” Kohli asked Gambhir during the BCCI.tv podcast.

“Instead of talking about me, I remember when you had that incredible series in Australia, where you scored heaps of runs. You told me that you kept saying ‘Om Namah Shivay’ before every delivery, and that got you into that zone,” Gambhir responded, with Kohli nodding in agreement.

In response to Kohli’s question, Gambhir said, “For me, that’s exactly what happened (being in the zone) when I played in Napier. I batted for two and a half days.”

In that match, Gambhir played remarkably for nearly two days and half a session, scoring 136 off 436 balls, with his innings lasting 10 hours and 43 minutes.

“I don’t think I could ever do that again. The only thing I did for those two and a half days was listen to the Hanuman Chalisa. For me, getting into that zone, you got there by chanting ‘Om Namah Shivay.’ For me, I got into that zone by listening to the Hanuman Chalisa. Very few times in your career can you be in that zone. It’s divine to be in that state.”

Gambhir stitched a 133-run partnership for the second wicket with Rahul Dravid, 97 for the third wicket with Sachin Tendulkar, and 96 for the fourth wicket with VVS Laxman, playing one of the finest Test innings of his career.

“I remember Laxman telling me when I was batting on Day 5 in Napier. After the first session, when I was walking back, he told me, ‘Do you realize you haven’t uttered a word for the last two hours, even between overs?’ I realized that I hadn’t said a word.

“All I did between overs was nod and play, and when I got back, I put on the Hanuman Chalisa and listened to it. For those two and a half days, it was like being completely zoned out.

“I’m sure you must have experienced this many more times than I have. Unless you’re in that zone, you won’t understand how it feels,” Gambhir concluded.