Gautam Gambhir's Most Notable Public Outbursts: A Look Back

Gautam Gambhir, known for his fiery temperament, has been involved in several public controversies throughout his career. From heated exchanges with fellow cricketer Virat Kohli to confrontations with officials, his aggressive demeanor has often kept him in the news. This article highlights five notable incidents that showcase his outspoken nature, including a viral gesture during the Asia Cup and a heated argument with a pitch curator. Dive into the details of these events and understand the man behind the controversies.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2025, 20:05 IST

Gautam Gambhir: A Fiery Personality in the Spotlight

Gautam Gambhir, recognized for his intense demeanor, has found himself at the center of numerous public controversies, ranging from disputes with Virat Kohli to confrontations with cricket officials. His aggressive nature often leads to significant media attention, both during his playing days and as a coach.

Top Five Controversial Incidents Involving Gambhir

1. **Gambhir vs. Kohli in IPL**: The rivalry between Gambhir and Kohli, both hailing from Delhi, has sparked heated exchanges on two occasions during the Indian Premier League. The first incident occurred in 2013 when Gambhir, then captain of KKR, and Kohli, captain of RCB, exchanged harsh words after Kohli's dismissal. The second altercation happened during IPL 2023, following a match between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where a verbal clash erupted after Kohli's confrontation with LSG's Naveen-ul-Haq. This incident escalated to the point where players from both teams had to intervene. However, by IPL 2024, the two had reconciled.

2. **Asia Cup Gesture**: Gambhir made headlines during the Asia Cup 2023 when he was filmed making an obscene gesture towards a section of the audience after the India-Nepal match. This incident went viral, with many speculating it was a reaction to Kohli's chants. Gambhir later clarified that he was provoked by chants of 'Hindustan Murdabad', which angered him.

3. **Argument with Pitch Curator**: Tensions rose before the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval when Gambhir had a heated exchange with pitch curator Lee Fortis. While overseeing India's practice session, Gambhir confronted Fortis, expressing his frustration over unsolicited advice.

4. **Spat with S Sreesanth**: During the Legends League Cricket Eliminator in 2023, Gambhir clashed with former teammate S Sreesanth. The confrontation arose after Gambhir scored off Sreesanth's deliveries, leading to a verbal dispute where Sreesanth accused Gambhir of calling him a 'fixer', a reference to past controversies. However, the umpire's report did not confirm such allegations.

5. **Comments on Jadeja and Sundar**: Following a drawn match against England, Gambhir defended Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar for continuing to bat despite an offer from Ben Stokes for a draw. He argued that players nearing milestones deserve the opportunity to achieve centuries, emphasizing that they should not compromise their performance for others' expectations.