Episode 120 - Clash With Kohli, ‘Panauti’ Controversy, Delhi Politics With Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir is a former cricketer, who is known for his candid demeanor and calling a spade a spade. He currently serves as a Member of Parliament for the BJP from East Delhi Constituency. He played a crucial role in India’s victories in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Gambhir also led the Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. His foundation also runs ‘Jan Rasoi,’ providing food at a symbolic cost of 1 rupee.

In the latest edition of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Gambhir openly discusses his cricketing and political journey. He argues that Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan were underappreciated in Indian cricket for their contributions.

Gambhir talks about his return to the Kolkata Knight Riders after mentoring the Lucknow Super Giants and shares insights into his relationship with Shah Rukh Khan.

Without mincing words, he criticises broadcasters for favoring certain cricketers and neglecting others. He also addresses the Naveen Ul Haq controversy and his clash with Virat Kohli, stating he would go to any extent to defend his players, once the game is over.

He also hits out at Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, over ‘freebies politics’, Ghazipur landfill conditions, and the pollution issue in the national capital.

Gambhir also provides insights into his role as an MP, discussing challenges and expressing a sense of betrayal by his own party members. 

He also shares details about his foundation’s social work and reflects on the factors that led to the start of his cricketing career, with glimpses into what his childhood was like.