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'I Was Dropped From India For Playing Pull-Shot' - Gautam Gambhir Makes A Big Revelation

image-lp19nh6jGautam Gambhir | Source: X.com

Cricket, renowned for its beauty, is exemplified by the elegance of shots like the cover drive, pull shot, square drive, and skilful sweeps. From past legends to contemporary players, each has contributed to the aesthetic appeal of these strokes. 

However, not all players have been able to perfect every shot in their arsenal; some have excelled in certain strokes, then there are those who encountered difficulties while playing some shots, struggling to nail them throughout their entire careers. 

Although it's a rarity for a player to face team exclusion over a particular shot, yet former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir shed light on such an occurrence in a recent conversation with Star Sports. 

Revealing a personal experience, Gambhir explained that he was once dropped from the Indian team for getting out on the pull or hook shot. 


Here's what Gautam Gambhir was quoted as saying by CricToday: 

“If a player gets out playing cover drive and square cut, the coach will not say anything, but if the dismissal comes on pull or hook shots, the batsman is dropped.” 

“I was dropped from Team India after being dismissed thrice while playing pull-shot. I asked the management if the same thing would have happened had I lost my wicket while playing cover drive.” 

Gautam Gambhir further pointed out that coaches should engage positively with players, avoiding discouragement when they face challenges with a specific shot. Instead, he suggested encouraging them and offering technical improvements. 

"A batter is instructed to stop playing a particular shot if it results in his failures. This is not how cricket is played. The coach’s job is to help a player to get better while executing a difficult stroke.” 

Gautam Gambhir currently holds the position of global mentor for Sanjiv Goenka's franchise teams, Lucknow Super Giants and Durban Super Giants, in the IPL and SA20. In addition, he contributes his expertise to international match commentary, currently serving as a commentator for Star Sports in the 2023 World Cup.