Former Indian batsman and two-time World Cup champion Gautam Gambhir is recognized for his straightforward, assertive, and unapologetic demeanor. He played cricket with fearless aggression, and his commentary style reflects the same bold approach.
While some former cricketers may tread cautiously in their remarks about superstar Indian cricketers and the board, carefully considering their public image, Gautam Gambhir is known for his outspoken and clear opinions. He doesn’t shy away from criticizing revered cricketers or taking a swipe at management and selectors when they make mistakes.
Since his retirement, Gambhir has been a regular presence in the commentary box, participating in pre and post-match discussions, and appearing on news channels. Here are five brutally honest comments by Gautam Gambhir on Indian cricket and its cricketers:
- On Yuvraj as the greatest Indian batsman: Gambhir, unapologetically, hailed Yuvraj Singh as the greatest batsman India has produced, a statement that stirred debate and offended fans of other cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Sunil Gavaskar.
- On individual worship: Gambhir has consistently criticized the trend of fans engaging in idol worship on social media. He emphasizes the need for the country to move away from hero worship and focus on supporting Indian cricket as a whole.
- On tobacco endorsement by some former Indian legends: Gambhir voiced his strong disapproval of former Indian cricketers endorsing tobacco products. He found it “disgusting and disappointing,” urging people to choose role models carefully and pointing out the responsibility that comes with being in the public eye.
- The captain is as good as his team: Despite leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to two IPL trophies, Gambhir deflects credit for his captaincy success, emphasizing the importance of having a good team. He attributes his achievements as a captain to the collective effort of the team.
- Gambhir hits out at Shastri: In response to Ravi Shastri’s claim that his and Virat Kohli’s team was the best Indian team ever, Gambhir questioned the need for such boasting. He suggested that it’s more appropriate to let others praise the team’s performance, highlighting the contrasting approach of former cricketer Rahul Dravid, who maintains balanced statements regardless of the team’s performance.
