"Our Obsession with Individuals is Toxic": Gautam Gambhir's Explosive Interview on Indian Cricket

Kolkata: Former India opener and current KKR mentor, Gautam Gambhir, has never been one to mince his words. In a recent podcast that has taken the internet by storm, Gambhir launched a scathing attack on what he calls the "Hero Worship" culture in Indian cricket.

Known for his intensity on the field and his brutal honesty off it, Gambhir argued that the media and fans are too focused on individual milestones rather than the team's success.

"We Are Not a Team-Obsessed Nation"

When asked about the upcoming IPL 2025 and the buzz around superstars, Gambhir didn't hold back.

"We are an individual-obsessed nation, not a team-obsessed one. Until we stop celebrating 50s and 100s and start celebrating match-winning cameos of 20 runs, we will struggle to win ICC trophies."

His comments have once again ignited the debate on social media, with fans of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma feeling the heat. Gambhir emphasized that in T20 cricket, a player scoring a slow 50 is often more detrimental than a player getting out for a duck while trying to accelerate.

On KKR's Philosophy for 2025

Gambhir also shed light on KKR's strategy for the upcoming season. He hinted that the team is looking for "fighters" rather than "poster boys." This aligns with his previous backing of players like Sunil Narine and Rinku Singh, who prioritize the team's needs over personal stats.

Reaction from the Cricket World

The interview has divided the cricketing fraternity. While many experts agree with Gambhir's technical assessment, fans argue that stars like Dhoni and Kohli bring the passion and revenue that drives the sport.

Interestingly, this comes right after rumors of Rohit Sharma leaving MI surfaced, proving that individual narratives still dominate the headlines.

What do you think? Is Gambhir right, or is hero worship an essential part of Indian cricket? Let us know in the comments below.