Former Indian opener and current head coach Gautam Gambhir recently took part in a fun activity where he assigned Bollywood-inspired nicknames to some of India’s cricket legends. This lighthearted game took place during the recently concluded Delhi Premier League, where Gambhir showcased his playful side by connecting iconic cricketers with movie titles.
Among his picks, Gambhir gave star batter Virat Kohli the title “Shahenshah” (King of Kings), highlighting Kohli’s dominant presence in world cricket. He went on to crown Sachin Tendulkar with the nickname “Dabang” (Fearless), a nod to the legendary batter’s fearless approach to the game.
For Jasprit Bumrah, Gambhir chose “Khiladi” (Player), referencing the bowler’s ability to adapt and excel in high-pressure situations. Yuvraj Singh, known for his majestic performances, was aptly named “Badshah” (King). Gautam Gambhir also injected some self-deprecating humor into the game, referring to himself as the “Angry Young Man,” a persona he often embodied during his playing days.
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However, he emphasized Bumrah’s importance, saying, “‘Khiladi’ is more important than all these.” He continued to hand out fitting titles, dubbing Rahul Dravid as “Mr. Perfectionist,” Sourav Ganguly as “Tiger,” and the recently retired Shikhar Dhawan as “Gabbar.”
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During the same interaction, Gambhir also opened up about his relationship with former India captain Virat Kohli. He clarified that despite their on-field confrontations, there is mutual respect between them.
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“What kind of relationship do I share with Virat Kohli? I think it’s between two mature individuals. On the field, everyone fights for their own team, but off the field, we share a very good relationship and will continue to do so,” Gautam Gambhir shared.
India’s upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh will be Gambhir’s first assignment as the head coach, adding more anticipation to the team’s preparations.
