The heat of an India vs Pakistan game is never only about the cricket. Emotions, old clashes, and personal battles often come into play.
One name that always finds its way into the headlines during such times is Gautam Gambhir, especially when Shahid Afridi is on the other side of the story.
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The rivalry between these two hasn’t cooled down even years after they stopped playing.
Why is the Gambhir–Afridi rivalry still talked about after so many years?
Some clashes in cricket stay only on the field, but the story of Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi is one that never faded.
Their first big flashpoint came way back in 2007 during an ODI in Kanpur. What started with a mid-pitch collision soon turned into a heated argument, with both players fined for their behavior.
Even after retiring, both Gambhir and Afridi often bring each other’s names up in interviews, keeping the battle alive off the field.
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For fans, their rivalry has become a symbol of the larger India vs Pakistan cricket war that always finds a new spark.
What did Gambhir’s mentor say about his approach?
Recently, Gautam Gambhir’s guru, Sanjay Bhardwaj, made a strong statement that reflected why Gambhir is so different from others.
He said that if anyone abuses Gambhir, he will reply with double the force. According to him, Gambhir has always believed in giving respect only if he receives it.
"For Gautam Gambhir, the country comes first. If someone insults Gautam Gambhir, he won’t stay quiet; instead, he’ll hit back twice as hard, whether it’s Shahid Afridi or anyone else. If Gautam isn’t given respect, he won’t give it either," said Sanjay.
He added that Gambhir puts the country above everything. If the Indian head coach feels that shaking hands with Pakistan’s players is not needed, he won’t do it. In his view, Pakistan’s cricketers hold no value, so Gambhir doesn’t see the need to show them any.
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"He’s a unique kind of player, not someone who teaches these things to others. He teaches nationalism. And now, if he chooses not to shake hands, he won’t. If the captain decides not to do it, he won’t either. Pakistan’s players have no value in his eyes. What value do they have?" he added.
With Gambhir now playing a major role as India’s head coach, his strong personality and never-back-down attitude seem to be shaping the team’s mindset.
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