Former India opener Gautam Gambhir, who retired last month from all form of cricket, has been honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award on Saturday, January 26.
“It’s an honour I accept with gratitude. But it’s an honour which also comes with responsibility,” Gambhir wrote on Twitter. “I’m living for the day when Gautam Gambhir the human being beats Gautam Gambhir the cricketer. That will be my day, my award to myself.”
It’s an honour I accept with gratitude. But it’s an honour which also comes with responsibility. I’m living for the day when Gautam Gambhir the human being beats Gautam Gambhir the cricketer. That will be my day, my award to myself. #PadmaAwards2019
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) January 25, 2019
Gambhir was once the No.1-ranked batsman on ICC Test Rankings for batsmen and was part of the Indian team that climbed to the top of the rankings. He accumulated 4154 Test runs at 41.95 with nine centuries and 5238 ODI runs at 39.68 with 11 centuries.
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The southpaw is fondly remembered for his match winning knocks in the finals of the two ICC tournaments – 97 against Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup final and 75 against Pakistan in the 2007 T20 World Cup.
Gambhir led India against New Zealand in six ODIs and maintained an undefeated record, winning all the matches that Men in Blue played under him.
He also led Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League (IPL) but his best stint came along with the Kolkata based franchise, which he led for seven years. He led the team to two titles in 2012 and 2014 as well.
