Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener, has been an outspoken advocate for the idea that cricket is a team sport where collective effort triumphs over individual glory. He has often stressed this perspective when discussing India’s World Cup victories under the leadership of MS Dhoni in 2007 and 2011. Gambhir has criticized the tendency to excessively idolize certain players, urging the media to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes rather than just focusing on stars like Virat Kohli and Dhoni.
The 2011 World Cup final, where India defeated Sri Lanka, remains etched in cricket history. While many credit Dhoni for hitting the winning runs, Gambhir’s crucial 97 off 122 balls played a pivotal role in India’s successful chase of 275. Dhoni contributed an unbeaten 91 runs. Despite Dhoni’s iconic finishing, Gambhir has consistently emphasized the importance of team effort over individual brilliance.
ALSO READ: Rohit Paudel Reveals His Strategy To Tackle Virat Kohli And India
In a conversation with News18 earlier this year, Gambhir pointed out that Yuvraj Singh, the ‘Player of the Tournament’ in both the 2007 and 2011 World Cups, often goes unmentioned when discussing those triumphs. He argued that marketing and PR tend to spotlight a single individual as the hero while neglecting the contributions of others.
However, Gautam Gambhir appeared to contradict himself during a recent discussion about the India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 match in Kandy. While reminiscing about India’s victory over Pakistan in the 2010 edition of the continental event, Gambhir credited former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh for the win.
ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah and Sanjana Embrace Parenthood: Welcome Baby Boy Angad
Gautam Gambhir emphasized that it wasn’t his 83-run knock or his partnership with Dhoni that mattered most; instead, it was Harbhajan Singh’s match-winning six that secured the victory. He acknowledged that although he had played a vital role, the batter who scores the winning run ultimately clinches the victory for the team.
Gautam Gambhir’s views on INDIA’s win in Asia Cup 2010 IND vs PAK Match…😂😂 pic.twitter.com/RjxpVE62jG
— The Engineer Bro (@theengineerbroo) September 2, 2023
This comment by Gambhir prompted reactions from Dhoni’s fans, who perceived it as a departure from his previous stance on the significance of individual contributions in cricket. The comments highlight the ongoing debate about the role of individual brilliance versus team effort in the sport.
Aabey loday usnay situation ki batt bhi khi thi. Kisss situation may jitaya thaa
— Gautam (@gautamk94324203) September 2, 2023
तो 2011 का वर्ल्ड कप धोनी ने ही जीताया ना, विनिंग शॉट धोनी ने ही मारा था।
ग़ज़ब दोगला बन गया ये आदमी धोनी की नफ़रत में। 😁
— नाराज़ फुफ़ा (@narazfufa_ji) September 2, 2023
Aree bhaiya politician hai… Ab apni hi baat contradict na kare to kya fayda politician hone ka…
— Shark Hugs Again (@sharkhugsagain) September 2, 2023
Lets make this viral 😁 pic.twitter.com/cWZ1UU3fvi
— CA Anshul Aggarwal (@anshulaggarwall) September 2, 2023
Gambhir Hypocrisy?
He always says 1 six ne world cup ni jitaya but just now when Ind Vs Pak 2012 Match was shown other commentators said you made team win then he says “Maine nhi bhajji ne jitaya (he hit a six on last ball), mai maanta hu jo last run marta h voi match jitata h”
— Muskan Mandil (@_muskan05) September 2, 2023
@GautamGambhir Phele clear kro match kon jitata hai.. 😎
— Ankur Singh (@ankurgzp) September 2, 2023
He could not able to say the same thing for Dhoni’s six.
— CrickologyNews (@CrickologyNews) September 2, 2023
