“Think we need to get rid of this obsession of 2007 and 2011” – Gautam Gambhir


“Think we need to get rid of this obsession of 2007 and 2011” – Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni during the 2011 WC Final against Sri Lanka

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir feels that the time has come when fans need to get rid of their obsession with the 2007 T20 World Cup win and the 2011 World Cup victory.

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Gambhir was a crucial member of the national side in both the mega ICC events as he was India’s top-scorer at the final match in 2007 as well as 2011. After playing an amazing knock of 75 runs in the 20-over format game, Gambhir played a match-winning inning of 97 at the 2011 WC final.

However, India have lost six ICC trophies since lifting the 2013 Champions Trophy title. This also includes the recent defeat at the World Championship Final (WTC) against New Zealand. 

Speaking to Star Sports after the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the two pools for the upcoming edition of T20 WC, the cricketer-turned-commentator opined:

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“It was special (being a part of the 2007 T20 World Cup squad), but I have forgotten about it. To be honest, India need to move on from that. 2007, it’s what, more than 13 years ago? I think we need to get rid of this obsession of 2007 and 2011.”

“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will have a huge responsibility when India take on Pakistan”

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are placed in the same group alongside New Zealand and Afghanistan plus two more teams from the qualifiers. 

The 39-year-old highlighted that senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will have to shoulder the responsibility in the high-pressure game against Pakistan.

“When I played my first international game against Pakistan, I was probably much more excited and nervous as compared to some of the guys who have played a lot of cricket against Pakistan. So, it is the responsibility of the senior guys to probably keep the younger guys calm.

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“Because ultimately it is not the emotion that will win you a game of cricket, it is the contest between the bat and the ball that will end up winning you a game of cricket. So people like Virat Kohli for example, or Rohit Sharma will have a huge responsibility when India take on Pakistan,” he signed off.

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