Gautam Gambhir unhappy with Rohit Sharma’s statement, says winning World Cup for individual is not right

India suffered a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final of the ODI World Cup 2023 where they were defeated by 6 wickets in Ahmedabad. The loss was quite painful for the team and the fans as the Men in Blue were unbeaten with 10 out of 10 wins before the final clash.

Meanwhile, former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir recently expressed his disappointment with a particular statement given by India captain Rohit Sharma before the final. Rohit said the team’s head coach Rahul Dravid had worked hard for the team and it’s the players’ job to give him a World Cup trophy.

“The way he stood by the players in difficult times, especially during the T20 World Cup, where we had a good run up until that semifinal, where we lost. How he reacted to certain situations and informed the players was helpful. He wants to be part of this big occasion, and it’s for us to do it for him,” Rohit was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

It happened during our time in 2011 too: Gautam Gambhir

Gambhir wasn’t happy with his statement and gave an example of the 2011 ODI World Cup when many players dedicated the win to former legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. Gambhir said that one should not win the World Cup for any individual but instead play for the entire country.

“Every player, every coach wants to win the World Cup. If he wants a renewal then definitely he should be given that chance. What better than continuity? I would never understand one thing. It happened during our time in 2011 too. When you say that you want to win the World Cup an individual, doesn’t matter who that is… this statement is not right.

“You are trying to win the World Cup for the entire country. And if you want to say such a thing then don’t say it in the media. Keep it within yourself. The truth is, it is more important to win a World Cup for the nation. I was asked the same in 2011 when everyone said we were trying to win the World Cup for one individual, I said no I want to win the Cup for my country. I picked up the bat for my country. So Rohit probably shouldn’t have said this.” Gambhir was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.