Ravichandran Ashwin Praises Gautam Gambhir as the “Most Misunderstood Cricketer in India”
Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir, known for his on-field heroics and candid comments, has received a heartfelt tribute from Ravichandran Ashwin. The star off-spinner believes that Gambhir, despite his occasional controversies, is one of the most selfless and misunderstood cricketers in India.
Gambhir, a pivotal figure in India’s 2007 and 2011 World Cup victories and a two-time IPL-winning captain with the Kolkata Knight Riders, has often made headlines for his outspoken nature. Ashwin, however, believes that his contributions to the team are frequently overlooked, and he deserves more credit.
“Gautam Gambhir is the most misunderstood cricketer in India. The greatest team man is the greatest individual in terms of taking a fight. He might not be very expressive, but he is in your face. It was not just that knock (the WC final); there were several knocks leading into the final, where Gautam has been an unsung hero. He literally did not allow the pressure to get to us. Selfless. I would have said if he could have been 120–130 not-out but selfless. He wanted to shut the game out. I have always had massive respect for the man. People give him much less credit than he deserves,” expressed Ashwin during a YouTube discussion.
Ashwin, known for his off-spin prowess, could play a crucial role as the third spinner in India’s lineup, alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, especially against Australia in India’s Cricket World Cup 2023 opener. The conditions at the MA Chidambaram Stadium may favor spin, making Ashwin a valuable asset. He also has a proven track record against Australian veterans David Warner and Steve Smith.
In the past, Ashwin has dismissed Warner a remarkable 11 times in Tests, showcasing his mastery against left-handers. Warner even batted right-handed in a recent ODI against India to counter Ashwin’s threat. Smith, while consistently successful in ODIs, has faced challenges against Ashwin, particularly in Test cricket.
Given Ashwin’s historical success against these Australian stalwarts, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get the nod ahead of pacer Shardul Thakur in the opening match at Chepauk.
As Ashwin gears up for the Cricket World Cup, having replaced the injured Axar Patel in India’s squad, he has been honing his skills in the nets. He has been practicing against the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, and Thakur, preparing to make a significant impact in the tournament.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s admiration for Gautam Gambhir sheds light on the nuances of cricketing personalities, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the unsung heroes and the “most misunderstood” yet crucial figures in the game.
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By- Sahiba Suri