Just as another riveting series was about to start between
two of the most popular teams in world cricket, came an announcement: Gautam
Gambhir announces retirement from all forms of cricket.
Although it would be fair to say that the news was not a
surprise, when this did happen, one felt that the lone warrior was now sure
that his time was up. Well, I say time was up, but I mean he might have still
felt he could play but not realistically for his country, which is what he
always aspired for.
The ultimate team man that he was and will always be remembered
as one, he might have just felt that his stint and contribution in the domestic
circuit was also done with.
It is a given that not being picked for a fairly long time
except in his surprising selection for one Test match against England (except
this one-off selection, he was never picked for the team since the last 6 years)
made him finally hang his boots.
But it must be said that here was a man who gave his all to
the team. A man of incredible dedication, passion, sincerity and (sometimes even
more than required) aggression, he was a dogged cricketer who never threw in
the towel and made sure he gave his 100% for his country, in every moment, on
every single occasion.
This is exactly why I felt that even though he is now almost
unsung, the guy deserves a special mention for all that he has done for the
country. Not just for his exploits (highest run scorer of 2 World Cup-winning
teams) but also for his exemplary demeanour off the pitch as well.
As someone who always proudly wears his heart on his sleeve,
he has also been very actively involved with the Army, with charitable and socio-culturally
responsible causes.
No wonder, even when he was out of favour, he became a lot
of people’s emotional favourite to make a comeback into the team.
Well done Gautam, you have played your innings very well.
Fare thee well in your second innings too!
Just as another riveting series was about to start between
two of the most popular teams in world cricket, came an announcement: Gautam
Gambhir announces retirement from all forms of cricket.
Although it would be fair to say that the news was not a
surprise, when this did happen, one felt that the lone warrior was now sure
that his time was up. Well, I say time was up, but I mean he might have still
felt he could play but not realistically for his country, which is what he
always aspired for.
The ultimate team man that he was and will always be remembered
as one, he might have just felt that his stint and contribution in the domestic
circuit was also done with.
It is a given that not being picked for a fairly long time
except in his surprising selection for one Test match against England (except
this one-off selection, he was never picked for the team since the last 6 years)
made him finally hang his boots.
But it must be said that here was a man who gave his all to
the team. A man of incredible dedication, passion, sincerity and (sometimes even
more than required) aggression, he was a dogged cricketer who never threw in
the towel and made sure he gave his 100% for his country, in every moment, on
every single occasion.
This is exactly why I felt that even though he is now almost
unsung, the guy deserves a special mention for all that he has done for the
country. Not just for his exploits (highest run scorer of 2 World Cup-winning
teams) but also for his exemplary demeanour off the pitch as well.
As someone who always proudly wears his heart on his sleeve,
he has also been very actively involved with the Army, with charitable and socio-culturally
responsible causes.
No wonder, even when he was out of favour, he became a lot
of people’s emotional favourite to make a comeback into the team.
Well done Gautam, you have played your innings very well.
Fare thee well in your second innings too!
