Gautam Gambhir, former Indian cricketer and one of the most celebrated opening batsmen, is known for his fiery temperament alongside his remarkable contributions to Indian cricket.
While his competitive spirit led to many triumphs, it also resulted in a few on-field confrontations. Here are five notable moments when Gambhir lost his cool.
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5. The Infamous ‘Elbow’ Incident with Shane Watson (2008)
During the 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Delhi, Gambhir’s clash with Australian all-rounder Shane Watson became infamous. While nearing a century, Gambhir elbowed Watson as he completed a run.
This came after an escalating verbal exchange between the two. The match referee banned Gambhir for one game, emphasizing the heated rivalry between India and Australia.
4. Heated Feud with Kamran Akmal in the 2010 Asia Cup
In June 2010, an Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan saw Gambhir lock horns with Pakistani wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal. After a missed caught-behind appeal by Akmal, tensions flared between the two, resulting in an intense confrontation.
On-field officials had to intervene to cool things down. Despite this altercation, Gambhir’s knock of 83 helped India to a thrilling win over Pakistan.
3. On-Field Fiasco with Shahid Afridi (2007)
Gambhir’s rivalry with Shahid Afridi reached its peak during a 2007 match in Kanpur. While running between wickets, Gambhir collided with Afridi, leading to a heated exchange of words.
Umpires had to step in, and both players were fined for their conduct. The incident highlighted the intense emotions that often accompany Indo-Pak cricket.
2. Standoff with Virat Kohli During IPL 2013
The 2013 Indian Premier League (IPL) saw Gambhir clash with fellow Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. After Kohli’s dismissal, a heated exchange of words erupted between the two captains.
The altercation, amplified by their history as teammates, led to on-field intervention by teammates. This standoff became one of the most talked-about moments of the IPL season.
1. Gambhir vs Kohli: A Decade Later (2023)
Nearly a decade after their 2013 IPL clash, Gambhir and Kohli had another confrontation in the 2023 IPL. After Kohli had a verbal spat with bowler Naveen-ul-Haq, Gambhir intervened, reigniting their long-standing rivalry.
The altercation quickly escalated as players gathered around, but it was eventually diffused. Both players have since reconciled, working together for Indian cricket’s future.
Conclusion
Gautam Gambhir’s career is a blend of passion, aggression, and intense competitive spirit. While these incidents highlight moments when he lost his cool, they also emphasize his desire to win and contribute to Indian cricket. Gambhir remains one of India’s most memorable cricketers, known for his unwavering dedication on the field.
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