Gautam Gambhir finally got the breathing space he needed as India’s Test coach after the dramatic Oval victory. India levelled the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2 by defeating England by just…
In a dramatic turn of events just two days before the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen in a heated altercation with Lee…
As India trails 1-2 in the five-match Test series against England, the possibility of Jasprit Bumrah skipping the fourth Test in Manchester has ignited widespread debate. With the series at…
Born on 14 October 1981 in New Delhi, Gautam Gambhir spent his early days in a Punjabi Khatri family. Although born to Deepak and Seema Gambhir, he was adopted by his maternal grandparents just eighteen days later, growing up in Karol Bagh. He began playing cricket at age 10, attending Modern School and later selected for the inaugural National Cricket Academy intake in 2000. This early exposure fostered his technical foundation and unwavering competitive spirit.
Standing around 1.68 m (5′6″), Gambhir was a left-handed opener known for his strong technique, mental toughness, and on-field aggression. He combined patience with controlled power, excelling in tough conditions. Off the field, Gambhir leads a disciplined life: he’s a teetotaller, practices meditation and yoga, and maintains fitness through structured training routines . His philanthropic ventures underscore his grounded personality and strong values.
Gautam married Natasha Jain on 28 October 2011; they have two daughters, Aazeen (b. 2014) and Anaiza (b. 2017). He shares a close bond with his sister Ekta and credits his parents and grandparents for instilling resilience and humility. The family resides in Rajinder Nagar, Delhi, where he remains deeply involved in community and social work through his foundation.
Gambhir debuted in first-class cricket for Delhi in 1999–2000, quickly showcasing dominance with back‑to‑back double centuries in 2002 against Zimbabwe and in Ranji Trophy. His remarkable domestic average (over 50) earned early selection for India A and the NCA, cementing his reputation as a technically sound opener.
Gambhir made his ODI debut versus Bangladesh in April 2003 and his Test debut against Australia in November 2004. He rose to prominence with key performances:
2007 T20 World Cup Final: Scored 75 off 54 vs Pakistan to clinch India’s first ICC trophy.
2009–10 Success: Named ICC Test Player of the Year, achieved five consecutive Test centuries, and topped Test rankings .
2011 World Cup Final: Anchored innings with 97 off 122 to lead India to triumph
| Format | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s/50s | Top Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 58 | 4,154 | 41.95 | 9/22 | 206 |
| ODI | 147 | 5,238 | 39.68 | 11/34 | 150* |
| T20I | 37 | 932 | 27.41 | 0/7 | 75 |
| FC | 198 | 15,153 | 49.35 | 43/68 | 233* |
Gambhir debuted in IPL with Delhi Daredevils in 2008 for $725k, scoring 534 runs—the second-highest that season. Captained DD from 2010, becoming the only Delhi player to cross 1,000 IPL runs for the team . In 2011, KKR acquired him for $2.4M; under his captaincy, they won titles in 2012 and 2014, and he led them to Champions League qualification. Gambhir set multiple IPL records, including an iconic 184-run opening stand with Chris Lynn in 2017 . He briefly returned as Delhi Captain in 2018 before retiring from playing later that year.
After retiring from all forms of cricket in 2018, Gautam Gambhir quickly embraced mentorship and coaching, leveraging his tactical acumen and on-field grit. His proven leadership as Kolkata Knight Riders’ captain naturally paved the way for impactful coaching roles.
In 2022, Gambhir took on the role of mentor for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their debut IPL season. Under his guidance, LSG reached the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023. He built a competitive squad and played a vital role in developing young talents like Ravi Bishnoi and Ayush Badoni, thanks to his sharp strategic thinking and focus on mental toughness.
In July 2024, the BCCI appointed Gambhir as Head Coach of the Indian Men’s National Cricket Team, following Rahul Dravid’s exit after the 2024 T20 World Cup. Fans and experts welcomed the move, knowing Gambhir would bring a no-nonsense approach, high fitness standards, and bold decision-making to the national setup.
Gambhir made an immediate impact. In his first major assignment, he guided India to a historic win in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Players and pundits alike praised his calm, assertive leadership and the clarity he brought to the team environment. With a deep understanding of domestic cricket and modern game dynamics, Gambhir now leads the charge in shaping India’s next generation of world-class cricketers.
