Who is Gautam Gambhir?
Gautam Gambhir, born on October 14, 1981, in New Delhi, is a former Indian cricketer and current politician. Renowned for his impactful performances as an opening batsman, Gambhir played a pivotal role in India’s triumphs during the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. In his illustrious cricket career, he featured in 58 Test matches, amassing 4,154 runs with nine centuries, 147 ODIs where he scored 5,238 runs, and 37 T20 Internationals where he contributed 932 runs. Known for his resilience and ability to handle pressure, Gambhir retired from international cricket in December 2018 and subsequently entered politics.
Joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he contested and won the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 from the East Delhi constituency. Beyond cricket and politics, Gambhir is actively engaged in philanthropy through the Gautam Gambhir Foundation, focusing on education and community welfare. His journey from a celebrated cricketer to a prominent political figure underscores his multi-faceted contributions to both sports and public service.
Gautam Gambhir: Height, Weight
As of the latest available information, he stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) and weighs around 146 pounds (66 kg).
Gautam Gambhir: Age, Parents, Siblings, Ethnicity, Education
Gautam Gambhir, the esteemed former Indian cricketer and current public figure, was born on October 14, 1981, in India. He is the son of Deepak and Seema Gambhir and has a sister named Ekta Gambhir. Gambhir, a prominent figure in the Khatri community, is recognized not only for his cricketing prowess but also for his familial and cultural background.
Gambhir’s educational journey took place at Modern School, New Delhi, and Hindu College, University of Delhi. This academic foundation complemented his rise as a cricketing sensation and later as a public figure. His multifaceted career, blending sports and public service, demonstrates a dynamic and impactful journey in the realms of both cricket and politics.
Gautam Gambhir: Professional Life, Career
Gautam was a prominent former Indian cricketer who has left an indelible mark on the sport. His professional journey is characterized by stellar achievements and impactful contributions.
He rose to prominence as a left-handed opening batsman, showcasing his prowess in both domestic and international cricket. Making his debut in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Bangladesh in 2003, he quickly became a mainstay in the Indian cricket team. His Test debut followed in 2004 against Australia, solidifying his position as a key player.
A significant chapter in Gambhir’s career unfolded during the 2007 World Twenty20, where he played a crucial role in India’s victory, scoring 75 runs in the final against Pakistan. This was a prelude to his standout performance in the 2011 Cricket World Cup final, contributing 97 runs and playing a pivotal role in India’s triumph.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gambhir made a mark as the captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Under his leadership, KKR secured their maiden IPL title in 2012 and went on to win it again in 2014.
Beyond his on-field achievements, he transitioned to a political career. Joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he contested and won the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 from the East Delhi constituency, showcasing his commitment to public service.
His professional journey, spanning cricketing glory to political success, reflects a versatile and impactful career in both sports and public life.
Gautam Gambhir: Net Worth, Salary
Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and Member of Parliament, has an estimated net worth of $32 million (approximately Rs. 250 crores). His substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his successful cricketing career and lucrative brand endorsements. His annual salary is approximately $3 million, equivalent to around $140,000 per month.
His financial success is further enhanced by strategic investments, particularly in real estate. Gambhir owns valuable properties across India, including an opulent residence in New Delhi, which has seen a significant increase in value since its acquisition in 2013.
Gautam Gambhir: Rumors, Controversy
Gambhir has been involved in various rumors and controversies throughout his career. One notable incident was during an Asia Cup match in September, where Gambhir was seen making a controversial gesture towards a section of the crowd. He later explained that he reacted due to fans chanting anti-India slogans, expressing remorse for his actions.
In another instance, he openly expressed regret over choosing a career in cricket during an interview on the Bada Bharat Talk Show Season 2. He stated, “Main cricketer nahi hona chahiye tha” (I should not have been a cricketer), indicating a moment of introspection regarding his career choice.
Gambhir also engaged in a heated exchange with former Indian captain Virat Kohli during an IPL match in 2023, resulting in fines for both players for violating the IPL Code of Conduct. Additionally, he made statements attributing Kohli’s success as a captain to the presence of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in the team.
During the India vs. Nepal Asia Cup match, Gambhir, who was part of the broadcasting team, displayed frustration towards persistent chants of Virat Kohli’s name by raising his middle finger, leading to widespread criticism.
Gautam Gambhir’s career has seen a mix of on-field achievements and off-field controversies, contributing to the diverse facets of his public image.
What is the Relationship of Gautam Gambhir?
Gautam Gambhir is married to Natasha Jain. The couple got married in October 2011, and they have two daughters. Natasha Jain comes from a business-oriented family, and her marriage to Gambhir added to the cricketer’s connection with influential families in Delhi. The couple has maintained a relatively private personal life, with limited information about their relationship being disclosed to the public.
Gautam Gambhir: Social media
You can acquire further information about his personal life by following him on his social media profiles.
On Instagram, Gautam can be found at gautamgambhir55. He has over 8.5 million followers on this platform, and he shares photos and videos of his cricket journey, personal life, and travels.
Facts of Gautam Gambhir
- Birth and Early Life: Gambhir was born on October 14, 1981, in India. He grew up in Delhi and developed a passion for cricket from a young age.
- Cricketing Career: He is a former Indian international cricketer, known for his left-handed batting. He played for the Indian national team in all formats of the game from 2003 to 2016.
- Captaincy: He captained the Indian cricket team in six ODIs from late 2010 to late 2011, winning all six matches. He also served as the captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
- Major Achievements: Gambhir played a crucial role in India’s victories in the finals of the 2007 World Twenty20 and the 2011 Cricket World Cup. He also won two IPL trophies in his captaincy.
- Political Career: Post his cricketing career, he entered politics and won the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the East Delhi constituency.
- Personal Life: He is married to Natasha Jain, and the couple has two daughters. Gambhir is known for keeping his personal life relatively private.
- Wealth and Assets: Gambhir has been among the wealthier political candidates, declaring assets of over Rs. 147 crore during the Lok Sabha elections in 2019. He has also made shrewd investments, including real estate properties.
- Awards and Recognition: In 2019, Gambhir was honored with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, for his contributions to cricket.
- Controversies: He has been involved in controversies, including heated exchanges with fellow cricketers and reacting to crowd provocations during matches.
- Retirement: He announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on December 3, 2018.
- Philanthropy: Apart from his cricketing and political endeavors, he is involved in philanthropic activities and has supported various social causes.