In this article, we mention Some lesser-known facts about Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir, a renowned Indian cricketer, is celebrated for his impressive career on the cricket field. However, beyond his batting prowess lies a fascinating persona with many intriguing facets that often escape the spotlight.

Also Read: 5 World Cup Winners To Serve As Head Coach Of Indian Cricket Team

Here are five lesser-known facts about the man behind the cricketer Gautam Gambhir

• Adoption by Grandparents: Born into a humble family, Gambhir’s life took an unexpected turn when he was adopted by his grandparents soon after birth. What began as a visit to introduce the newborn to his grandparents turned into a lifelong bond.
• Nurtured by Grandparents: Enveloped by their love and care, Gambhir grew up under the nurturing guidance of his grandparents. This upbringing played a significant role in shaping his character and resilience.

• Marriage and Family Life: Beyond the cricketing arena, Gautam Gambhir finds solace in the warmth of family life. In 2011 he married Natasha Jain beginning a journey of companionship and love.
• Cherishing Family Moments: The couple is blessed with two daughters, Aazeen and Anaiza. Gautam Gambhir cherishes every moment spent with his beloved family often indulging in long drives and quality time together.

• Passion for Gaming: While Gambhir’s exploits on the cricket field have garnered widespread acclaim, he harbours a passion for gaming off the pitch.
• Hobbies and Interests: He enjoys reading and adrenaline-fueled drives, and finds joy in immersing himself in the virtual realm of PlayStation games, unwinding amidst the digital landscapes of virtual competition.

• Historical Feat in Test Cricket: In 2009, Gautam Gambhir etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history by achieving a rare feat in Test cricket.
• Consecutive Centuries: He became only the fourth Indian batsman to score three consecutive centuries in the longest format of the game, showcasing his batting prowess and resilience and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
• Aspiration to Serve in the Armed Forces: Amidst his cricketing pursuits Gautam Gambhir harboured aspirations beyond the boundary ropes. He had a deep-seated desire to serve his nation by joining the armed forces.
• Reflections on Regret: Reflecting on his journey Gambhir expressed regret at not pursuing his passion for the military citing it as his “first love” and a poignant reminder of unfulfilled aspirations.

The T20 World Cup 2007 win was a defining moment for India in its cricket history.  India emerged victorious in the first T20 World Cup hosted in South Africa after defeating Pakistan in a last ball thriller.

The Indian cricket team led by MS Dhoni displayed fearless cricket throughout the tournament and gave several iconic moments to fans. The success of the T20 World Cup paved the way for the rise of several T20 leagues across the world.

The T20 World Cup has come a long way since its first edition in 2007.

As the T20 World Cup 2024 is going on, let us have a look at what the Playing XI of India who won the T20 World Cup 2007 are doing now.

T20 World Cup 2007: Playing XI For India

Gautam Gambhir, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (captain), Rohit Sharma, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Joginder Sharma, S Sreesanth, RP Singh.

Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir was the leading run-scorer in the T20 World Cup 2007 final with 75 runs. He retired from the international career in 2016. 

He is currently serving as a mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Earlier he captained the team and guided them to two championship victories.

Gambhir is said to be in talks with the BCCI to become the head coach of Indian men’s cricket team.

Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh’s iconic moment in the  T20 World Cup 2007 was hitting six consecutive sixes off Stuart Broad in a match against England remains etched in the memory of fans.

Singh announced his retirement from international cricket in June 2019 and presently he has been playing for India Legends in the Road Safety World Series.

Yusuf Pathan

Yusuf Pathan made his debut for India in the T20 World Cup final, substituting for the injured Virender Sehwag. Pathan concluded his international career in February 2021.

Yusuf Pathan has now taken a plunged into politics and is serving as a Member of Parliament in Lok Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament).

Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa had a less impressive campaign at T20 World Cup 2007, managing just 113 runs at an average of 19.

However, he later emerged as one of the best batsmen for the Kolkata Knight Riders from 2014 to 2019.

Uthappa retired from all formats of cricket in 2022 and appears as a commentator occasionally.

Irfan Pathan 

In the 2007 T20 World Cup, Irfan Pathan took 10 wickets in six innings, including crucial figures of 3/16 against Pakistan in the final, which got him the Player of the Match award.

Irfan Pathan last played for India in 2012. He has now become a full-time commentator and cricket analyst. He also plays in the Road Safety World Series.

Also Read: 5 Times Teams Won By 10 Wickets In T20 World Cup

Harbhajan Singh 

Harbhajan Singh claimed seven wickets in seven games during the T20 World Cup 2007. The spin-bowler retired from cricket in 2021.

Harbhajan Singh is now regularly seen in the commentary box and as a cricket analyst in pre and post match shows.

MS Dhoni 

MS Dhoni led India to the historic T20 World Cup in 2007 . Since then, he has gone on to become a legend of the game.

Dhoni announced retirement from international cricket in 2020. The wicketkeeper batsman continues to captain the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, and have won the titles five times. 

Joginder Sharma 

Joginder Sharma took four wickets in four matches during the T20 World Cup 2007 . He became the national hero when he bowled the final over the finale against Pakistan. The wicket he took in the last ball gave India the historic win.

After the World Cup, he played a few IPL games for Chennai Super Kings. He announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket on February 3, 2023. He currently serves as a police officer (DSP) in Haryana.

Rohit Sharma 

Rohit Sharma made an impactful start in the T20 World Cup, scoring a half-century against South Africa in his debut innings.

His unbeaten 30 off 16 balls played a crucial role in India’s victory in the final against Pakistan.

Rohit Sharma is currently captaining the Indian cricket team at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies

Also Read: 5 Unique Records Of Rohit Sharma In T20I Cricket

S Sreesanth 

S Sreesanth’s catch in the final ball of the final match to dismiss Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq remains one of the iconic moments of the 2007 T20 World Cup.

Sreessanth concluded his international cricket career in 2013. As of now, he regularly appears on TV as a cricket analyst.

RP Singh 

RP Singh was India’s leading wicket-taker in the 2007 T20 World Cup with 12 wickets from six innings. He retired from all forms of cricket in September 2018.

Currently, he is serving as cricket commentator and analyst.