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When 'Selfless' Gautam Gambhir Gave His Man Of The Match Award To Virat Kohli

Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli playing against Sri Lanka [x.com]Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli playing against Sri Lanka [x.com]

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, known for his tenacity and determination on the field, once showcased a moment of selflessness that transcended the boundaries of competition. 

It was a crisp December day in 2009, during a pivotal match between India and Sri Lanka at Kolkata's historic Eden Gardens. While the match unfolded with its usual frenzy, it was Gambhir's gesture off the field that stole the spotlight.

In the midst of a high-stakes encounter, a young Virat Kohli announced his arrival on the international stage with a masterful century, his first in international cricket. 

Yet, amidst the jubilation of Kohli's achievement, Gambhir quietly made a decision that would echo through cricketing history.

Having crafted an exquisite innings of his own, Gambhir's bat had spoken volumes, steering India towards victory with an unbeaten 150 runs. However, when it came time to accept the Man of the Match award, Gambhir defied expectations. 

In a gesture of unparalleled humility and camaraderie, he passed the accolade to Kohli, acknowledging the young talent's stellar performance.

This act of generosity transcended the boundaries of competition, revealing Gambhir's character as not only a skilled cricketer but also a mentor and a leader. 

It wasn't just about the runs on the scoreboard; it was about fostering a culture of support and encouragement within the team.