Dearest Gautam Gambhir,
There was a time when the Indian team would be filled with talent and you were able to rise and stand out in a squad that had the likes of Dravid, Laxman, Sachin, Sehwag and Ganguly. That is no mean feat. To rub shoulders with the legends of the Indian game and perform with them is something only a true champion can do and you are in all realms of that phrase, a stalwart to the game itself.
Everyone who watched that World Cup Final in 2011 will leave with that lasting image of Dhoni hitting the six to win the cup. However, true cricket fans know that we would not have reached that point if it wasn’t for your selfless and calculated 97 which stabilized the entire innings and gave Dhoni and Yuvraj a platform to complete the match. Also, your counter-attacking 76 runs in the final of the World T20 may seem a long time ago, but it is the knock that allowed us to post a somewhat competitive score for Pakistan to chase.
Indian fans love watching a Gautam Gambhir on form. A player who can play classy strokes and yet keep the scoreboard ticking in a limited overs game is hard to find but you are an anomaly. You’ve managed to seamlessly make the transition from protégée under Sehwag to leading from the front for KKR and have done it in quite some style.
Now, moving on to more pressing issues. The Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy was named and many people, including myself were surprised that your name was not included. The opener slot with Rohit Sharma is one that is there for the taking and frankly that Shikhar Dhawan is given a chance ahead of you speaks a lot about what plans the BCCI is planning on taking. However, true champions do not give up.
You are one.
Keep going out there and grinding results for Delhi in the domestic circuit. Your character was never in doubt but now your resilience comes to the fore. I still believe that the opener slot will be there for the taking and you can fully grab the opportunity for one last ride with the national team. You will have to go through the hardest of days in the most dire of circumstances, but only a player like you can emerge victorious and millions of Indian cricket fans have your back.
Even if you do not get to play for whatever reason, we just want to extend a big hug to express our gratitude. Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense and your silent innings have shaped the history of our conquests forever.
Thanks,
An Indian cricket fan.
