IPL is the best thing to happen to Indian cricket: Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir is among the most profitable gamers to have featured within the Indian T20 league. He additionally led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to 2 IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. Talking on the sidelines of the TURF2022 & India Sports activities Awards of FICCI, the retired cricket praised the cash-rich Indian league.

“IPL is one of the best factor that to occur to Indian cricket. I can say this with all my senses. There was lot of backlash relating to IPL because it began. Each time Indian cricket doesn’t do nicely, the blame comes on IPL, which isn’t truthful. If we don’t carry out nicely in ICC tournaments, blame the gamers, blame the efficiency, however it’s unfair to level fingers on the IPL,” Gambhir stated.

He hailed IPL for offering monetary safety to gamers and likewise the event of the sport on the grassroots degree. The cricketer-turned-politician defined, “A sportsman can solely earn until he’s 35-36. IPL supplies with monetary safety which is equally vital.”

Gambhir, who’s the mentor of the Lucknow Tremendous Giants (LSG) within the IPL, praised BCCI for preferring Indian coaches over overseas coaches to steer the nationwide workforce lately. Claiming that abroad coaches solely take up the position for cash, he acknowledged, “One good factor that has occur in Indian cricket is that Indians have began teaching the Indian Nationwide Cricket workforce now. I strongly consider Indian ought to coach the Indian workforce.

“All these overseas coaches, who we gave a number of significance to, come right here to generate profits after which they vanish. Feelings are vital in sports activities. The one individuals who could be emotional about Indian cricket are those who’ve represented their nation,” the previous opener added.

The 41-year-old additional batted for Indian coaches within the IPL as nicely. Highlighting that Indian coaches should not supplied alternatives in abroad leagues just like the Huge Bash, he stated, “I’m a mentor of Lucknow Tremendous Giants. One factor I need to change is that I need to see all Indian coaches in IPL. As a result of no Indian coach will get alternative in Huge Bash or some other overseas leagues.

“India is a superpower in cricket, however our coaches don’t get alternative wherever. All of the foreigners come right here and get the highest jobs. We’re extra democratic and versatile than different leagues. We have to give our personal folks extra alternative,” he added.

Gambhir represented India in 58 Assessments, 147 ODIs and 37 T20Is. He additionally performed 154 IPL matches, scoring over 4000 runs.

–By A Cricket Correspondent