“He is a different character,” Shahid Afridi forgets rivalry to talk about ‘OUTSTANDING’ Gautam Gambhir

While Afridi admitted that on-field provocations were common in cricket, he also acknowledged Gambhir's uniqueness as both a player and a person.

“He is a different character,” Shahid Afridi forgets rivalry to talk about ‘OUTSTANDING’ Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi (Image via Hindustan Times)

The intense and lasting rivalry between former Indian and Pakistan cricket legends Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi has been a source of interest for years. In 2007, a heated India-Pakistan ODI match ignited a verbal dispute on and off the field. However, recent events indicate an unexpected shifts in their relationship.

Shahid Afridi’s candid interview with Pakistani actor Momin Saqib on the YouTube show Had Kar Di brought light on the complexity of their rivalry. While Afridi admitted that on-field provocations were common in cricket, he also acknowledged Gambhir’s uniqueness as both a player and a person. The former captain of Pakistan applauded Gambhir’s batting skills, praising his perfect timing and describing him as a “outstanding player.”

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“These things go on cricket. It’s normal. And I feel it has been more hyped up in social media. Woh different kisam ka character hain, aam players se thoda alag hain (He has a different character from that of normal players). His reputation is the same in Team India as well. It is not like it was only with me…he…I feel we should discuss more positive things in this show,” Afridi stated.

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Gambhir and Afridi exchanged a handshake during a Legends Cricket League match

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Earlier this year, when Gautam Gambhir captained the India Maharajas and Afridi led the Asia Lions in the Legends League Cricket, they even exchanged a handshake. This unexpected display of sportsmanship circulated throughout the social media and  left the fans in shock. Afridi put the rivalry with Gambhir behind him and reserved a huge praise for Gambir’s batting skills.

The anchor then asked Afridi to mention one positive aspect of Gambhir to which Afridi said: “Very few Indian batters I seen having such good timing with the bat. He is an outstanding player.”

Their contributions to their respective squads can’t be denied, despite their shared moments of disagreement. Gambhir’s remarkable career included 20 centuries and crucial positions in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories. Afridi, on the other hand, was pivotal in Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup victory and left a lasting legacy in international cricket with over 10,000 runs and 541 wickets.

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