Cricket

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current head coach of the Indian cricket team, is known for his fiery competitive spirit on the field. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been involved in several heated exchanges with fellow players, driven by his unwavering passion for the game.1. Gautam Gambhir vs Andre NeilDuring an ODI match between India and South Africa, Gambhir and Andre Neil engaged in a verbal spat after Gambhir pulled a bouncer for a boundary. Neil's stare and subsequent sledging provoked Gambhir, leading to an exchange of words that required the umpires' intervention.2. Gautam Gambhir vs Shahid AfridiIn a 2007 ODI match between India and Pakistan, Gambhir and Shahid Afridi clashed after Gambhir hit a boundary off Afridi's delivery. Afridi's sledging and a subsequent collision between the two players escalated the tension, resulting in a heated exchange of words.3. Gautam Gambhir vs Virat KohliDuring an IPL match in 2013, Gambhir and Virat Kohli had a heated exchange after Kohli was dismissed. As Kohli walked back to the pavilion, he engaged in a verbal altercation with Gambhir, who was the captain of the opposing team.4. Gautam Gambhir vs Kamran AkmalIn an Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan, Gambhir and Kamran Akmal exchanged words after Akmal made frequent appeals on missed shots. The situation escalated during a drinks break, but was resolved after the intervention of the umpire and Indian captain MS Dhoni.5. Gautam Gambhir vs Virat Kohli (2022)In a recent IPL match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gambhir, who was the mentor for LSG, intervened in a heated exchange between LSG bowler Naveen-ul-Haq and Kohli. The situation escalated into a confrontation between Gambhir and Kohli, requiring the intervention of other players and umpires.These incidents highlight Gautam Gambhir's competitive spirit and his unwavering determination to win. While his fiery nature has sometimes led to heated exchanges, it has also been a driving force behind his success on the field.

Suryakumar Yadav's appointment as India's T20I captain raised eyebrows, with many expecting Hardik Pandya to take over the mantle. However, the duo has forged a strong bond, with Pandya expressing gratitude for the freedom granted to him by Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir.After India's 3-0 clean sweep against Bangladesh, Pandya was named player of the series. He credited the team's success to the empowering environment created by the captain and coach. "The kind of freedom the skipper and the coach has given has been fantastic," Pandya said. "That is coming to all the players who are playing."Pandya emphasized the importance of enjoying the game and celebrating each other's successes. "When the dressing room is enjoying, when everyone's enjoying everyone's success, you feel like doing more," he explained.Reflecting on his own performance, Pandya attributed his success to improved fitness and workload management. "Body has been fantastic, God has been kind to help me out," he said.When asked about his favorite shot of the match, Pandya recalled a helicopter chip shot over the cover region. "Over the covers when I just chipped it," he said.The harmonious relationship between Yadav and Pandya has fostered a positive team atmosphere, contributing to India's recent success in the T20I format. Pandya's gratitude for the support and freedom he has received highlights the importance of a collaborative and empowering leadership style.

Gautam Gambhir's Promotion of Fantasy Cricket App Sparks ControversyIndian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has faced backlash on social media for promoting a fantasy cricket app. Gambhir posted an advertisement for Real11 on Twitter, inviting followers to participate in a contest and earn cash rewards.However, many users criticized Gambhir for endorsing a "betting app," citing his previous criticism of former cricketers who promoted similar products. They accused him of double standards and hypocrisy.In the past, Gambhir has publicly condemned the promotion of alcohol, tobacco, and online betting by cricketers. He has stated that such endorsements are harmful to society and should be discouraged.The controversy has raised questions about the ethics of cricketers promoting gambling-related products. Critics argue that such endorsements normalize gambling and can lead to addiction, particularly among young fans.Gambhir's promotion of Real11 has also drawn attention to the growing popularity of fantasy cricket apps in India. These apps allow users to create virtual teams of real-life cricketers and compete against others for cash prizes.While fantasy cricket is not considered gambling in India, it has been criticized for its potential to promote addictive behavior and encourage excessive spending. Some experts have called for regulations to prevent minors from accessing these apps and to ensure responsible gambling practices.The controversy surrounding Gambhir's endorsement highlights the need for a broader discussion about the role of cricketers in promoting products that may have negative societal impacts. It also raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of athletes and the potential consequences of their endorsements.

Indian batter Rinku Singh has credited head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav for empowering the team to play aggressively and express themselves on the field. Singh's blistering 53-run knock off 29 balls played a pivotal role in India's 86-run victory over Bangladesh in the second T20I on Wednesday."The coach and captain have asked us to play our game and whatever the situation (is), the message from them is maarte jao ball ko (just keep hitting the ball)," Singh said at the post-match press conference.Singh, who has often batted in the latter stages of innings, was called into action early on Wednesday after India lost three wickets inside the powerplay. He explained his approach, saying, "At the position I play, I get batting at different junctures of the game. Whenever I get batting earlier, my aim is to take singles and doubles and attack the bad balls.""When I come to bat with 2-3 overs left, my aim is to hit more fours and sixes. My main aim is to collect more and more runs for the team."Singh revealed that the wicket was initially challenging, but he adjusted his batting accordingly. "When the match started, the ball was not coming properly on to the bat. When Sanju (Samson) and Surya bhai got out then Reddy told me that ball phass rahi hai (the ball is sticking on the wicket).""I batted accordingly and then the wicket got a little better. We were discussing that we should get a (good) partnership first and get the momentum. We started with singles and then Reddy hit sixes and the momentum changed."Singh, who will next feature in the Ranji Trophy, expressed his desire to play in all three formats of the game. "I do see myself as an all format player, wherever I get the opportunity I will play," he said.The third and final T20I between India and Bangladesh will be played in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Sanju Samson, India's enigmatic wicketkeeper-batter, is once again vying for a permanent berth in the national cricket team. Despite making his international debut in 2015, Samson has struggled to cement his place in the star-studded Indian lineup. However, with the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from T20I cricket, a new era has dawned for the Indian team, and Samson is determined to seize the opportunity.In the recently concluded T20I series against Bangladesh, Samson was handed the opening role alongside Abhishek Sharma. While he displayed glimpses of his brilliance, scoring 29 runs off 19 balls in the first match, he failed to make a significant impact and was dismissed early.Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has emphasized the need for consistency from Samson in the upcoming matches. He warned that if Samson fails to perform, he could be dropped from the team. "He is good. He scored 29 runs. My only thing was that since he had reached here, he should go slightly further ahead. He should score a few more runs because, otherwise, they would drop him," Chopra said.Despite his early dismissal, Chopra praised Samson's elegant shot-making. "You need to talk about Sanju Samson. Abhishek Sharma was playing amazingly well until he got run out, but how well did Sanju play? Gautam Gambhir said long back that if Sanju Samson doesn't play for India, it's India's loss. He was made to open. The silken touch was seen. He wasn't hitting the ball hard; it seemed like he didn't want to hurt the ball, and he was hitting one four after another."Samson's performance in the remaining matches of the series will be crucial for his future with the Indian T20I team. If he can maintain his consistency and make significant contributions, he could finally secure a permanent spot in the lineup.

Gautam Gambhir's Post-Match Chat with Varun Chakravarthy: A Guardiola-esque Moment in Indian CricketIn a rare sight in Indian cricket, head coach Gautam Gambhir engaged in an intense post-match conversation with spinner Varun Chakravarthy after India's victory over Bangladesh in the series opener. The incident drew comparisons to renowned football coach Pep Guardiola's on-field chats with his players.Chakravarthy, making his return to the Indian team since the 2021 T20 World Cup, impressed with a three-wicket haul. However, Gambhir's post-match chat with the spinner raised eyebrows among fans.The visuals of Gambhir and Chakravarthy engaged in a deep discussion, with bowling coach Morne Morkel also present, reminded some of Guardiola's famous on-field chats with Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich.Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri weighed in on the incident, suggesting that Gambhir may have been discussing Chakravarthy's bowling pace or field placements. He also highlighted the tactical input that Morkel could provide to the spinner.Chakravarthy's performance in the match was a significant step in his career redemption. The veteran spinner, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, will be eager to cement his place in India's T20I team.Gambhir's post-match chat with Chakravarthy underscores the importance of player development and feedback in modern cricket. It also highlights the growing influence of football coaching techniques in other sports, as coaches seek to foster a culture of continuous improvement and tactical awareness.

Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach of the Indian cricket team has witnessed a significant shift in approach, with a focus on youth development, all-rounders, and an aggressive brand of cricket.Gambhir's philosophy, honed during his successful stints with Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants, emphasizes the importance of multi-utility players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. The current T20 setup boasts a plethora of all-rounders, including Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Nitish Reddy.Another key aspect of Gambhir's approach is his belief in the role of bowlers. He advocates for a large pool of bowlers, as evidenced by the inclusion of Mayank Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Yash Dayal in the squad.This aggressive mindset was on full display during the recent Test series against Bangladesh. Despite a rain-affected pitch in Kanpur, India opted for an attacking approach, shattering records and reputations. This fearless brand of cricket is a testament to Gambhir's influence.Gambhir's "team first" approach is also evident in his willingness to make bold decisions. Virat Kohli, the team's most celebrated batter, was asked to bat at number 5 in the Test series, while Rishabh Pant was promoted to accelerate the innings.Gambhir's emphasis on equality and the absence of hero-worship has created a relaxed and happy dressing room. He believes that every player should be treated equally, regardless of their stature or experience.As Gambhir continues to shape the Indian cricket team, his consistent approach, courage, and support from his players will be crucial in recreating legacies and playing the game in the spirit of true teamwork.

Kamran Akmal Praises Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni, Congratulates Gambhir on Coaching SuccessFormer Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has expressed his admiration for current Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and legendary Indian captain MS Dhoni. In an interview with CricBlog, Akmal shared his thoughts on his relationships with both players.Regarding Dhoni, Akmal said, "MS Dhoni is someone with a different mentality altogether. He's an absolute match-winner and super calm. The way he played was fantastic, and he had a fantastic career. We used to talk a lot about wicket-keeping and batting."Akmal also spoke highly of his friendship with Gambhir. "We share a good bond and are good friends. I mean me and Gautam are good friends too. I share a good relationship with him. He's like my brother," Akmal said.Akmal's comments highlight the camaraderie that exists between players from rival cricketing nations despite the intense competition on the field. He also congratulated Gambhir on his recent success as a coach."In fact, I'd like to congratulate Gautam on winning his first Test as a coach. I'm so happy for him," Akmal added.Gambhir recently guided India to a Test series victory over Bangladesh, marking a successful start to his coaching career. Before the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, Gambhir visited the Maa Pitambara Temple in Datia to seek blessings during the Shardiya Navratri festival.Following the Test series, India and Bangladesh will face off in a three-match T20I series, where both teams will aim to build momentum ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the veteran Indian all-rounder, has heaped praise on Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir, the former and current head coaches of the Indian cricket team, respectively. Ashwin, who has played under both Dravid and Gambhir, believes that their passion for Indian cricket is "palpable."Dravid, who took over as head coach in 2021, guided India to its maiden ICC T20 World Cup title earlier this year. Under his leadership, India also achieved notable victories in Test series against England, Australia, and Bangladesh.Gambhir, who succeeded Dravid as head coach in 2023, has had a mixed start to his tenure. India won the T20I series against Sri Lanka but suffered an unprecedented ODI series defeat to the same opposition. However, they bounced back to complete a Test series sweep over Bangladesh.Ashwin, who has witnessed the transition from Dravid to Gambhir, believes that there is no significant difference in their approach or passion for Indian cricket. "I don't see huge differences in how they approach the game or the passion they have for Indian cricket," Ashwin said. "Their passion is at the highest level."Ashwin also praised Dravid and Gambhir for their knowledge and love for the game. "They bring an incredible amount of love to that dressing room," he said. "To have them pass on their knowledge, it's like having two cricketing geeks to talk cricket with."The new era of Indian cricket under Gambhir has begun with a mixed bag of results. India will now shift its focus to the T20I format for the three-match series against Bangladesh, followed by a three-match Test series against New Zealand.