Cricket

Former Indian cricketer and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has expressed his amusement over his team's low ranking in the Fair Play award standings. During an appearance on spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube channel, Gambhir humorously attributed KKR's poor position to his presence in the dugout.Known for his aggressive on-field demeanor, Gambhir joked that KKR's low rank was a result of his fiery nature. "Honestly, I thought we would be at the top of the Fair Play Award table because of what happened in Chinnaswamy [the hug between him and Virat Kohli]. There is no competition; irrespective of where we are on the points table, we should be at the top of the fair play award. But still, we are at the bottom," Gambhir said.Gambhir's comments stem from his on-field hug with Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli, with whom he has had several verbal spats throughout his career. The gesture of reconciliation was widely praised as a sign of sportsmanship.However, Gambhir's humor belies a deeper concern. He questioned the criteria used to determine the Fair Play standings, suggesting that KKR had not engaged in any unsportsmanlike conduct. "Someone sent me a message a couple of days back: 'KKR is where KKR is at the moment.' I said, yeah. In the top, no. In fair play, at number 10 (currently number nine). Is there a trophy? I said, no. And I still do not understand. We played pretty fair. What wrong have we done in the last five games? I do not think so we have done anything wrong. And still, we are number 10. Probably it is just because I am sitting in that dugout," Gambhir said.KKR is set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Qualifier 1 match at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday. The game promises to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams known for their explosive batting line-ups. KKR finished the league stage at the top with nine wins, three losses, and two no results, totaling 20 points. SRH, on the other hand, finished second with eight wins, five losses, and one no result, giving them 17 points.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, has been a force to reckon with in the longest format of the game. However, former India opener Gautam Gambhir believes that the nation has missed out on witnessing Ashwin's true potential with the bat in white-ball cricket.In the domestic circuit, Ashwin has established himself as a genuine all-rounder, showcasing his prowess with both bat and ball. However, for India, he has primarily been utilized as a bowler, leaving his batting abilities largely untapped.Gambhir expressed his disappointment over this missed opportunity, stating that Ashwin's batting potential has not been fully realized at the international level. "A bit disappointed, this country hasn't seen the potential which you had with the bat, especially in white-ball cricket," Gambhir said in an episode of Ashwin's Kutti Stories.Ashwin's first-class record is a testament to his batting prowess. In 156 matches, he has accumulated 5,221 runs at an average of 28.06. In List A cricket, he has amassed 1,346 runs at a strike rate of 77.35.At the international level, Ashwin has shown glimpses of his batting ability. In 19 T20I innings, he has scored 184 runs, while in 63 ODI innings, he has amassed 707 runs.One of Ashwin's most memorable batting performances came in 2011 against the West Indies in Mumbai. Chasing a mammoth total of 590, Ashwin played a pivotal role in India's fightback, scoring a brilliant 103.While Ashwin's bowling prowess has earned him widespread recognition, Gambhir believes that India has missed out on a valuable opportunity to utilize his batting skills in white-ball cricket.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian opener and current mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has sparked controversy with his recent comments on his demeanor during matches. Gambhir, known for his stern expression and aggressive approach, has faced criticism for not smiling or showing emotion on the field.In a candid conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Gambhir defended his serious demeanor, stating that his primary focus is on winning matches and creating a winning environment in the dressing room. He emphasized that fans attend matches to witness victories, not to see him smile."I don't understand why people talk about me not smiling or laughing," Gambhir said. "People come to watch me win. That's the kind of profession we guys are in. I can't help it."Gambhir further clarified that he is not in the entertainment industry and that his role as a cricketer is to perform to the best of his ability. He admitted to being obsessed with winning and that his intense demeanor helps him achieve his goals."I'm not a Bollywood actor," Gambhir said. "My job is to come back in a winning dressing room. And fortunately, unfortunately, a winning dressing room is a happy dressing room."Gambhir's comments have sparked a debate among cricket fans and analysts. Some have praised his unwavering focus on winning, while others have questioned whether his intensity is necessary or beneficial to the team.Meanwhile, KKR, under Gambhir's mentorship, will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Tuesday. A victory for KKR would secure them a spot in the final.

The Indian cricket team's head coach position is set to become vacant after the 2024 T20 World Cup, and speculation is rife about who will succeed Rahul Dravid. The BCCI has already released an advertisement for the post, with the deadline for applications set for May 27.Among the names being touted as potential candidates are Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, and Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir, in particular, has been approached by the BCCI, according to ESPN Cricinfo. However, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about Gambhir's suitability for the role, given his strict coaching style.Chopra believes that Gambhir's approach may not be well-received by senior players in the team. "Gautam Gambhir - the coach, very strong personality. When there is a transition, a new captain is coming, then yes. However, if the team has a lot of seniors already, I will be a little wary because Gauti's style of working is almost like a strict father," Chopra said."When you have very senior players in the team, you are looking for a big brother who keeps his hand on their shoulders and doesn't try to impose himself. With Gautam that's not going to happen. It's very simple with him. My way or the high way. When it's 'my way' then every time, especially when seniors are there, things may not always fall your way. You can do that with young players. That is what I feel."Gambhir has never coached at the domestic level, but he has been the mentor for IPL sides Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. He has guided both teams to the playoffs, demonstrating his ability to build and manage a team.As a player, Gambhir was a key member of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011. He played pivotal roles in both tournament finals, showcasing his leadership qualities and ability to perform under pressure.Whether Gambhir's coaching style is suitable for the Indian team remains to be seen. However, his experience as a player and his success as a mentor suggest that he has the potential to be a successful head coach.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has recently shared his struggles and triumphs during his playing days. In a candid conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on a YouTube show, Gambhir revealed the challenges he faced in his early cricket career.Growing up, Gambhir was not selected for his first under-14 tournament due to his refusal to touch the selector's feet. This incident left a lasting impact on him, and he vowed never to engage in such practices.Despite his affluent family background, Gambhir faced criticism and skepticism throughout his career. People often questioned his motivation, suggesting that he did not need to play cricket due to his family's wealth. However, Gambhir was determined to prove his worth and overcome these perceptions."I wanted to beat that perception," Gambhir said. "So when I was able to do that, no other perception ever bothers me. The toughest perception for me to beat in my life was that I didn't want it that hard. I wanted it harder than any of them."Gambhir's determination and hard work paid off. He played a pivotal role in India's victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup. He also led KKR to its first IPL title in 2012.In the same interview, Gambhir also spoke about his relationship with KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. He praised Khan for his trust and support, noting that they had never discussed cricket strategy in their seven years of working together."He had never asked me a single question on cricket in those seven years. Can you imagine?" Gambhir said.Gambhir's journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing adversity, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a successful cricketer. His story serves as an inspiration to young athletes and anyone who faces challenges in their pursuit of their goals.

Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders: A Rivalry of Strategic SimilaritiesThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed several intense rivalries over the years, but the one between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) stands out as a clash of strategic brilliance. Former KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir recently shed light on the similarities between the two teams' approaches to the game.In a YouTube interview with Ravichandran Ashwin, Gambhir highlighted that CSK and KKR shared a common philosophy in their game plans. "I always felt that CSK and KKR were very, very similar in the way they approached the game," he said.Both teams relied heavily on their spin bowling prowess. CSK boasted the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Harbhajan Singh, and Imran Tahir, while KKR had Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla, and Kuldeep Yadav. The spinners played a crucial role in controlling the run rate and taking wickets at crucial junctures.The conditions at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai and the Eden Gardens in Kolkata also played a part in shaping the teams' strategies. Both grounds had large dimensions, which favored spinners and made it difficult for batsmen to score boundaries.Gambhir emphasized that KKR had to be at their tactical best to overcome CSK. "That's the reason why I always felt that CSK and KKR during those times were very very similar teams," he added.The rivalry between CSK and KKR has produced some memorable matches over the years. In the 31 head-to-head encounters since 2008, CSK has emerged victorious 19 times, while KKR has won 11. The remaining match ended in a no-result.Gambhir's insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the strategic nuances that have defined this iconic rivalry. The similarities between CSK and KKR's approaches have made their matches a battle of wits, where the team that executes its plans more effectively emerges victorious.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir, now a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), recently shared heartfelt memories of his time with the team. He recalled a special moment when he received unwavering support from Kolkata fans while facing Bengal's son, Sourav Ganguly, who was leading the Pune Warriors.In a conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Gambhir reminisced about his arrival at KKR in 2011 and his journey from a Delhi cricketer to a beloved figure in Kolkata. Amidst the highs and lows, he described a crucial match at Eden Gardens against Pune Warriors.The stadium was a sea of conflicting allegiances, with KKR's purple and Pune's light blue dominating the stands. Ganguly, a Kolkata native, was leading Pune, while Gambhir captained KKR."A lot of people told me there would be a lot of backlash because you are replacing someone like Sourav Ganguly," Gambhir said. "But not even once in my seven years of captaincy was I made to feel that I did not belong to Kolkata."Amidst the media attention and high expectations, Gambhir revealed a heartwarming story from the pre-match build-up. As he left the team hotel for the game, a hotel employee approached him with words of consolation and support."There was this huge article on the match day where it was written that Bengal would be divided for the second time after partition," Gambhir recalled. "I remember walking out of the hotel and this guy at the gate said, 'When you walk today, when you go for the toss, just remember the entire Bengal will be only cheering for you because KKR belongs to Kolkata and you will not walk alone today.'"Gambhir carried that thought with him to the toss and throughout the match. He found strength in the unwavering support of the Kolkata fans, despite the initial doubts."The people of Kolkata have walked with me and that's the strength I got from Kolkata," he said. "That's the reason that when I come back to Kolkata, it is always about giving back to them."Gambhir's KKR will play for a spot in the final when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Gautam Gambhir: IPL Should Not Be the Primary Route to the Indian TeamFormer Indian opener and current Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has expressed his concerns about the Indian Premier League (IPL) becoming the primary route for young players to secure a spot in the national team. While acknowledging the high standard of cricket in the IPL, Gambhir emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between the tournament and other domestic cricket competitions.Gambhir believes that the IPL provides valuable exposure and experience for young players, but it should not overshadow the significance of traditional formats and tournaments in their development. He stressed that the focus should be on nurturing players through a comprehensive system that includes first-class cricket, List A cricket, and other domestic competitions."The bigger concern that arises is about how many youngsters want to play Test cricket for India," Gambhir said. "I hope the IPL is not a shortcut to play for India."Gambhir also pointed out that the IPL has significantly improved the quality of domestic cricket in India. He believes that the tournament has made domestic players more competitive and has raised the overall standard of T20 cricket in the country."Today, when I look at international T20 sides, apart from 2-3 teams, I don't see enough competition when it comes to playing for India," he said. "Not many teams can match the quality that India has. So, I feel that in today's day and age, IPL has become far more competitive than international T20 cricket."Gambhir's comments come amidst concerns that the IPL is overshadowing other forms of cricket in India. Some critics argue that the tournament's lucrative contracts and high-profile nature are attracting young players away from traditional formats.Gambhir, however, believes that it is possible to strike a balance between the IPL and other domestic competitions. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive system that provides opportunities for young players to develop their skills and experience different formats of the game.

Gautam Gambhir Slams Two New Balls Rule in ODI Cricket, Calls for Return to Single BallFormer Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has vehemently criticized the use of two new balls in One-Day International (ODI) cricket, arguing that it severely disadvantages finger spinners and diminishes the art of reverse swing.Gambhir, who currently serves as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, pointed out the glaring absence of prominent finger spinners like Nathan Lyon and Ravichandran Ashwin from ODI teams despite their exceptional records in Test cricket. Both Lyon and Ashwin have taken over 400 wickets in Test matches, but their effectiveness is significantly reduced in ODIs due to the two new balls rule."Two new balls in one-day cricket is probably the worst thing that can happen to one-day cricket," Gambhir asserted in a recent episode of the podcast series 180 Not Out. "Imagine how many finger spinners play one-day cricket. There's Nathan Lyon who's got 400 wickets, there's R Ashwin who's got 400 wickets, and they are not a part of the One Day team, and the only reason is that there is nothing for a finger spinner."Gambhir explained that the two new balls rule diminishes the effectiveness of finger spinners because the ball remains relatively new throughout the innings, providing less grip and turn for the bowlers. "Imagine someone who has taken 400 Test wickets will not play one day cricket because they don't become a wicket-taking option or they end up becoming a defensive option," he said.The former Indian international also lamented the impact of the two new balls rule on reverse swing, a crucial skill in the arsenal of fast bowlers. "Reverse swing... It has gone out of the game completely," Gambhir said. "I want to see reverse swing, I want to see batters getting challenged, and someone bowling at 150 and reversing the ball is always a challenge."Gambhir proposed a return to the traditional use of a single ball throughout the innings, which would allow for more wear and tear, thereby bringing reverse swing back into play and providing spinners with a greater opportunity to influence the game. "One rule that needs to change is getting rid of two new balls and having only one," he insisted.