Gautam Gambhir Career

Gautam Gambhir joined as India's Head Coach in 2024 (X.com/@HashTagCricket)

Former Indian cricketer, Gautam Gambhir was appointed as the head coach of the Indian team in July 2024. 

Known for his gritty performances and sharp cricketing brain, Gambhir's illustrious career across all formats has perfectly set the stage for his new role, where he will hope to mould the next generation of Indian cricketers with his vast experience and winning ethos.

Gautam Gambhir's Cricket Career​

Former Indian cricketer known for his gritty batting and match-winning performances, Gautam Gambhir is one of the finest gems produced in the Indian soil. Having played 58 Tests, 147 ODIs, and 37 T20Is, Gambhir accumulated over 13,000 international runs for India. 

Playing for over 15 years, GG’s most memorable knocks include 75 in the 2007 T20 World Cup final and 97 in the 2011 ODI World Cup final, both helping India clinch titles. As captain, he led Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL victories. 

Moreover, after retiring in 2018, he turned to politics and coaching, becoming India’s head coach in 2024. Gambhir’s legacy lies in his resilience, leadership, and unmatched ability to perform under pressure.

Gautam Gambhir's Political Career​

After retiring, GG entered the Political arena for a while (X.com/@KkrKaravan)

Known for his outspoken personality, Gautam Gambhir started his political career in 2019, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. He was a member of the 17th Lok Sabha from 2019 to 2024, representing the East Delhi constituency from the BJP.

Gautam Gambhir IPL career​

Gautam Gambhir played for DC and KKR in IPL (X.com/@GoatGambhir97)

Beginning with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Gambhir quickly established himself as a formidable force, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in the inaugural IPL season with a tally of 534 runs.

In 2011, Gambhir's IPL journey took a massive turn when he was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a record $2.4 million, making him the most expensive player at that auction.

Under his captaincy, Gambhir transformed the team into a title-winning side, leading them to their first IPL title in 2012 and again in 2014.

Gautam Gambhir's International Career

Gautam Gambhir’s international career spanned from 2003 to 2016, during which he became one of India’s most dependable opening batsmen. He played 58 Tests, scoring 4,154 runs with 9 centuries, including a double hundred against Australia. 

In 147 ODIs, he amassed 5,238 runs, including 11 centuries, and was vital in India’s 2011 World Cup win, scoring 97 in the final. In 37 T20Is, he scored 932 runs and played a crucial knock of 75 in the 2007 T20 World Cup final. Known for his composure under pressure, Gambhir played pivotal roles in India’s greatest limited-overs victories.

Gautam Gambhir ODI Career

Gautam Gambhir made his ODI debut in 2003 [X.com]

Gautam Gambhir's ODI career contributed to Indian cricket's golden era. Making his debut against Bangladesh in 2003, Gambhir quickly established himself as a reliable top-order batsman.

One of the most defining moments of his ODI career came during the 2011 ODI World Cup. In the high-pressure final against Sri Lanka, Gambhir played a match-winning innings of 97 runs, a knock that was both gritty and graceful.

Throughout his ODI career, Gambhir was known for his versatility. His performances in the CB series in Australia in 2008, where he was one of the top scorers, highlighted his capability to excel against high-quality pace attacks on bouncy tracks.

Gautam Gambhir Test Career

Gautam Gambhir was nicknamed 'The Second Wall' in tests [X.com]

One of the highlights of Gambhir’s Test career was his remarkable consistency, especially evident between 2008 and 2010. During this period, he scored 858 runs at an average of over 61 in seven Test matches, including a career-best 206 against Australia in the 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Battling for over 643 minutes, he helped India save the game from a dismal position, underlining his nickname "The Second Wall," given for his ability to anchor the innings much like Rahul Dravid.

Moreover, Gambhir’s ability to score in consecutive matches was unrivalled at his peak. He became the fourth player in the history of Test cricket to score five centuries in as many matches, joining an elite list that included the legendary Sir Don Bradman. 

Gautam Gambhir T20I Career

Gautam Gambhir scored 932 runs in his T20 Career [X.com]

Gambhir's influence in the T20I format for India was both significant and timely, marked by critical performances that helped shape the early days of T20I cricket for the country.

Gambhir's T20I career is perhaps best remembered for his role in India's triumphant 2007 ICC World Twenty20 campaign, where he emerged as the tournament's second-highest run-scorer with 227 runs in six innings with three fifties.

Gambhir scored 932 runs across 37 T20 International appearances, maintaining an average of 27.4 and a strike rate of 119.0, with seven half-centuries to his credit.

Gautam Gambhir's Domestic Career

Gautam Gambhir played for Delhi in Indian domestic cricket (X.com/@Cric_records45)

Gautam Gambhir's first-class career

Gautam Gambhir had a wonderful domestic career, representing Delhi in Indian domestic cricket. He played 198 first-class matches, scoring over 15,000 runs at an impressive average of 49.35, including 43 centuries. He was a consistent performer in the Ranji Trophy, and his highest score was 233 against Railways*. 

FAQs - Gautam Gambhir's Career

Q.1. Did Gautam Gambhir win any IPL trophy?

Ans. As the captain, Gautam Gambhir led the Kolkata Knight Riders to win the IPL trophy in 2012 and 2014. 

Q.2. When did Gambhir retire?

Ans. Former Indian cricketer and current head coach of the national team, Gautam Gambhir, retired from all forms of cricket in December 2018

Q.3. Did Gautam Gambhir leave KKR?

Ans. Yes, former Kolkata Knight Riders’ coach, Gautam Gambhir, left the role to take on a bigger role as the head coach of the Indian national men's team.

Q.4. Why was Gautam Gambhir dropped?

Ans. In 2018, Gautam Gambhir’s career as a player experienced its biggest dip when he was dropped from the Delhi Capitals’ team as captain due to continuous failures. 

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