Gautam Gambhir is a former Indian cricketer and a prominent figure in Indian cricket history. Born on October 14, 1981, in New Delhi, India, he made a significant impact during his cricketing career.

Gambhir was a left-handed opening batsman known for his tenacity and solid technique. He formed a dynamic opening partnership with Virender Sehwag, contributing to India’s success in both Test and One Day International (ODI) formats. He played crucial roles in India’s victories in major ICC tournaments, including the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011.

Apart from his international career, Gambhir had a successful domestic cricket career with the Delhi cricket team and played a vital role in their Ranji Trophy victories. He also captained the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading the team to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.

Off the field, Gautam Gambhir was known for his philanthropic efforts, contributing to various charitable causes, especially in the realm of education and healthcare for underprivileged children. He also ventured into politics, becoming a Member of Parliament (MP) from the East Delhi constituency after his retirement from cricket.

Gambhir’s emotional farewell speech and his transition to a career in cricket analysis and commentary further solidified his place in the hearts of cricket fans. His journey from a young cricketer with humble beginnings to a celebrated sportsman, philanthropist, and politician is a testament to his multifaceted life and contributions to Indian society.

Some lesser-known  facts about Gautam Gambhir:

1. Passion for Cricket from a Young Age: Gambhir’s passion for cricket started at a very young age. He began playing cricket at the age of 10 and was coached by Sanjay Bharadwaj, a renowned Delhi-based coach.
2. Academic Excellence: Despite his cricketing pursuits, Gambhir didn’t neglect his education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Delhi and later pursued an MBA.
3. Successful Academics: He scored a remarkable 96% in his 12th-grade board exams, showcasing his intelligence and dedication to academics.
4. Fastest Century by an Indian: In a Test match against Australia in 2008, Gambhir scored a century in just 94 balls, making it the fastest Test century by an Indian at the time.
5. Generous Philanthropist: Post his cricketing career, Gautam Gambhir has been actively involved in philanthropy. He has supported various charitable causes and is known for his contributions to educational initiatives and healthcare for underprivileged children.
6. Political Career: After retiring from cricket, Gambhir entered politics. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the East Delhi constituency in the 2019 Indian general elections.
7. Emotional Farewell: Gautam Gambhir’s farewell from international cricket in 2018 was an emotional moment. He teared up during his farewell speech, expressing his love for the game and gratitude to his teammates and fans.
8. Favorite Shot: Gambhir’s favorite cricket shot was the cover drive, which he executed with precision throughout his career.
9. Ranji Trophy Success: He played a pivotal role in helping the Delhi cricket team win the Ranji Trophy in the 2007-08 season. His performances were crucial to Delhi’s success.

10. Cricket Analyst: After retiring from international cricket, Gambhir became a cricket analyst and commentator, sharing his insights and opinions on the sport.