Gautam Gambhir bowed out of cricket with a 112 against Andhra in his final Ranji Trophy innings last month. When asked whether he would be tempted to return to the game, he ruled it out. 'The pressure is off,' he told MyNation in an exclusive interview in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Gautam Gambhir, who retired recently from all forms of cricket, picked the highest and lowest points of his career on Tuesday, and said he was a satisfied man, having played cricket at the highest level with distinction. He, however, ruled out any chance of returning to the game.
The 37-year-old Gambhir played at the international level from 2004 to 2016 and is best remembered for playing significant roles in India's World T20 and World Cup wins in 2007 and 2011 respectively. He is also remembered for taking a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders to two Indian Premier League (IPL) crowns, in 2012 and 2014. According to him the lowest point of his journey was being ignored for the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean islands.
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“(There were) many high and low points. I am honoured to be a part of some of the most special wins in Indian cricket history,” Gambhir told MyNation in an exclusive interview.
Gambhir continued, “The 2007 World Cup (T20), 2011 World Cup, drawing (Test series) in South Africa (2010-11), winning (Test series) in New Zealand (2009), winning the CB series (2008) in Australia, playing that knock (137 off 436 balls in 2009) in Napier. There were a lot of things (highs). And, obviously winning against RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore), getting them all out for 49 (in IPL 2017) was something special when it comes to my captaincy. That stays special (with me). And, winning two IPL titles as captain. The lowest moment was when I didn't get selected for the 2007 World Cup. But these things happen in any professional sport.”
Also read: Gambhir retires from all forms of cricket
Gambhir bowed out of cricket with a 112 for Delhi against Andhra in his final Ranji Trophy innings last month. When asked whether he would be tempted to return to the game, he ruled it out.
“Absolutely not. There is no fuel in the tank. I am done and dusted. I am not going to play any professional cricket anymore,” he said.
Gambhir said he is now looking forward to spending more time with his family.
“The pressure is off. You want to be the best cricketer you can till the last day of your career and that is what I have done. Getting a hundred (against Andhra in Ranji Trophy) on the last day of my professional career shows how committed I was to be the best I could be. Now, I can spend time with my family,” he said.
When asked about India’s chances at this year’s World Cup in England, Gambhir said Virat Kohli and his men will be one of the favourites but added that any team can win the title.
“They (India) are a strong side, no doubt about it. But it is difficult to predict who is going to win it. Yes, India are one of the favourites. I have always believed that when you go into these big tournaments, there is no point in going as favourites. Anyone, on that given day, can play good cricket. I feel New Zealand are very good, England are very good, Australia are going to be around there, though they have had a tough series against India. Once they get (David) Warner, (Steve) Smith, (Mitchell) Starc, (Pat) Cummins and others, they will be a different side,” he opined.
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