Gautam Gambhir: Kohli and I are pretty good friends

During the 2013 IPL, Kolkata Knightriders captain Gautam Gambhir and RCB captain Virat Kohli were involved in a verbal duel as the latter was walking back to the pavilion after being caught at the boundary. Following this, there have been long-standing rumours that the two Delhiites share a frosty relationship. But Gambhir, who was a part of India's side for the third Test led by Kohli during the New Zealand series, said that there was nothing wrong in being an aggressive captain.

"When you are playing against an opposition you want to go out there and win a game and for that you have to be aggressive. As a leader you want your team to play as you are. Both of us are aggressive and passionate individuals and want to do well for our respective teams," Gambhir told NDTV on Tuesday.

"Even if we have difference of opinion there is nothing wrong in it. We both have same ambition that is to make our country proud and try to win each and every game as possible and try to contribute in the team's success. There is nothing personal about it. This is what professional people do. We are pretty good friends on and off the field," he added.

In the wake of the recent diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, Gambhir said he is completely against playing Pakistan saying that innocent lives are far important than cricket.

"Not at all. I cannot think about playing Pakistan. Life of people of this country is far more important than any sports or any other thing. I am talking as an Indian and not as a cricketer. I believe we should not have any ties or relationship with Pakistan. For me it is very important to protect out people," the left-hander concluded.