Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian left-handed batter and BJP Lok Sabha member from East Delhi, celebrated his 42nd birthday on October 14. Known for his remarkable contributions to Indian cricket, Gambhir’s illustrious career is a story of passion, determination, and controversy.
Early Life and Awards
Born into an influential business family in Delhi on October 14, 1981, Gambhir has received recognition in the form of the Arjuna Award (2008) and the Padma Shri award (2019). His academic journey includes being an alumnus of the University of Delhi.
Cricketing Journey
Gambhir’s cricketing journey began in 2003 when he made his ODI debut against Scotland. Over the years, he became a cornerstone of the Indian cricket team, participating in his first Test match against Australia in 2004. His international career spanned from 2003 to 2016.
Incredible Records by Gautam Gambhir
In the Test format, Gambhir played 58 matches and scored 4,154 runs with a highest score of 206. Notably, he is the only Indian to achieve a century in five consecutive Test matches. In ODIs, he featured in 147 matches, amassing 5,238 runs, including 11 centuries and a memorable 150* against Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup final. His T20I career witnessed a match-winning 75 in the 2007 T20 World Cup final against Pakistan.
Captaincy Success
Gambhir’s leadership skills were evident in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he led the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in 2012 and 2014. Currently, he serves as the mentor of the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.
Controversies and Strong Opinions
Gambhir, besides his cricketing achievements, has been known for his controversial statements and clashes with fellow cricketers. These controversies have added an extra layer of intrigue to his persona.
1. Regrets and Critiques
On a talk show, Gambhir once expressed regret over choosing cricket as a career, a statement that raised eyebrows in the cricketing world. He’s known for his candid opinions, such as his belief that MS Dhoni’s role in the 2011 World Cup victory was often overemphasized. He boldly stated, “Just a reminder World Cup 2011 was won by entire India, entire Indian team and all support staff. High time you hit your obsession for a SIX.” Gambhir added that “Jo Aakhri Run Banata Hai, Vahi Jitata Hai” (He who scores the final run wins).
2. Clashes with Virat Kohli
Gambhir’s heated exchange of words with Virat Kohli during an IPL match has been etched in the annals of cricketing history. Furthermore, his criticisms of Kohli’s captaincy style have not gone unnoticed. Their rivalry has added an extra layer of excitement to IPL clashes.
3. Obscene Gesture
In a match during the Asia Cup between India and Nepal, Gautam Gambhir, who currently serves as a member of the Asia Cup broadcasting team, appeared to become visibly upset due to the continuous chanting of Virat Kohli’s name by the spectators. In a moment of frustration, Gambhir raised his middle finger in response, triggering an enthusiastic chorus of ‘Kohli, Kohli’ from the crowd. This incident was recorded on video, quickly spreading across the internet, and drawing criticism from many individuals who found the action by the BJP MP to be embarrassing.
4. Political Involvement
As a Member of Parliament, Gambhir has been vocal about not tolerating political sloganeering during sports events. He has taken a strong stance on this issue, asserting, “When you come to watch sport don’t indulge in political sloganeering. If you are shouting anti-India slogans and Kashmir slogans you can’t expect me to keep quiet. Social media never gives you the full picture.”
5. Criticizing Virat Kohli’s Captaincy
Gambhir has not shied away from offering his critical assessments of fellow cricketers. He once remarked that Virat Kohli’s success as a captain was primarily attributed to having the valuable presence of both MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in the team. He added, “Most of the time his team RCB has finished on number 8.” Gambhir’s frank opinions on the performance of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL have stirred conversations among cricket enthusiasts.
In the world of sports, where public figures often keep their opinions guarded, Gautam Gambhir has been a refreshing exception. His willingness to express candid views, alongside his stellar cricketing achievements and occasional controversies, has made him a multifaceted personality. As we celebrate his 42nd birthday, we not only recognize his contributions to Indian cricket but also acknowledge the layers of his intriguing journey in the sport and beyond.
