Gautam Gambhir hits back at former cricketers: 'Hindustan ki cricket kisi ki jagir nahi hai'

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: May 6, 2025, 17:34 IST

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Gautam Gambhir, at the ABP India At 2047 Summit, strongly responded to criticism surrounding his coaching. He asserted his focus is on national pride, not pleasing commentators, and criticized former players treating Indian cricket as their domain. Gambhir defended his past actions and emphasized his commitment to building a fearless team, prioritizing accountability and nationalism over personal gain.

Gautam Gambhir hits back at former cricketers: 'Hindustan ki cricket kisi ki jagir nahi hai'

Gautam Gambhir (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir delivered a bold and unfiltered response to growing criticism around his leadership. Speaking on his vision and the early days of his coaching tenure, Gambhir said, “When I took up this job, I knew there would always be ups and downs. My job is to make the country proud, not please a few individuals sitting in air-conditioned commentary boxes.” Gambhir launched a stinging attack on former players who he believes treat Indian cricket as their personal domain. “ Some people sitting in the commentary box for 25 years think Indian cricket is their family fiefdom. It’s not. It belongs to the people of India,” he said at the ABP India At 2047 Summit.

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The former India opener, who played a pivotal role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs, also addressed past criticisms about his prize money from the 2013 Champions Trophy. “They even questioned my prize money. These NRIs make money from India but become NRIs to save tax,” he added sharply.

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Quiz: Who's that IPL player? Emphasising his independence and commitment, Gambhir stated, “I’m not a coach of any cozy club or lobby. I don’t believe in playing politics. I’m here to build a team that plays fearlessly and with pride.”

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He concluded with a patriotic touch: “Commentators should realise – cricket kisi ki jaagir nahi hai (cricket is not anyone’s private property). These people go abroad and become NRIs. I will stay in India and pay my taxes here.” With his trademark bluntness and clarity, Gambhir has made it clear that his tenure will be defined by accountability, nationalism, and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence.

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