Gautam Gambhir, known for his fearless approach both on and off the field, has seen multiple transitions in his career. From being a World Cup hero to a fiery politician, and now the head coach of Team India, his journey is filled with unforgettable incidents. As Gambhir continues to make his mark, let’s take a look at five notable moments that have shaped his life.
1. The Famous IPL Clash with Virat Kohli
One of the most talked-about incidents involving Gambhir is his heated exchange with Virat Kohli during the 2013 IPL. Gambhir, the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders at the time, and Kohli, leading Royal Challengers Bangalore, clashed after Kohli got out. As Kohli was walking back to the pavilion, an argument broke out between the two, which escalated quickly. It took the efforts of their teammates to calm the situation. Even though the incident is from a decade ago, it is still fresh in the minds of cricket fans.
2. On-Field Spat with Shahid Afridi
Tensions often rise when India and Pakistan play against each other, and the 2007 ODI series was no exception. During the third ODI in Kanpur, Gambhir had a famous altercation with Shahid Afridi. While running between the wickets, Afridi tried to block Gambhir’s path, and Gambhir elbowed him in response. The situation escalated, and the umpires had to intervene to bring the game back on track. This spat has become a symbol of the fierce rivalry between the two nations on the cricket field.
3. Heated Exchange with Manoj Tiwary
In 2015, during a domestic cricket match between Delhi and Bengal, Gambhir had another infamous altercation, this time with Bengal’s captain Manoj Tiwary. The confrontation started during the game and soon turned personal, with Gambhir allegedly threatening Tiwary, saying, “I will see you after the game and kill you.” The two players almost came to blows before officials stepped in to defuse the situation.
4. Gambhir’s Support for the Transgender Community
Apart from his on-field controversies, Gambhir has also made headlines for his off-field social work. In 2018, he made a powerful statement by standing in solidarity with the transgender community. At the Hijra Habba event, Gambhir symbolically dressed as a transgender person, wearing a bindi and a scarf. This act was part of his effort to raise awareness and bring attention to the discrimination faced by the community. His gesture was widely appreciated as a strong social message.
5. Political Debut and Retirement from Politics
Gambhir’s career took a new direction when he entered politics. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Gambhir contested as a BJP candidate from East Delhi and won, defeating AAP’s Atishi and Congress’s Arvinder Singh Lovely. However, ahead of the 2024 general elections, Gambhir announced his retirement from politics. His decision came amid speculations that the BJP might not give him a ticket this time around. Gambhir’s brief but impactful political career adds another layer to his multifaceted life.
As Gambhir now steps into his role as head coach for Team India, his aggressive and determined approach, which defined his playing style, is expected to shape the next generation of cricketers. His journey from cricketer to politician and coach remains one filled with intensity, passion, and controversy.
