'Cannot be a PR machinery' - Gautam Gambhir criticises broadcasters for unfair screen time to players

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir recently talked about a familiar topic - the recognition of cricket players. He used the 2011 World Cup as an example, where some players became heroes, but others remained 'underdogs.'

Gambhir pointed to Yuvraj Singh, a key player in the 2011 victory, who he feels didn't get enough credit. According to Gambhir, it's not about how well you play; it's about how well your achievements are showcased. He blamed PR agencies and even criticised broadcasters for favouring some players over others.

"If today I have machinery and I have to pick two persons where I show one person for two hours and fifty minutes and the other person for 10 minutes only, then a person shown for 2 hours and 50 minutes will become a brand," Gambhir said in ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash.

Gambhir argued that players like Yuvraj, despite being the 'Man of the Tournament' in 2011, get overshadowed because they lack good PR representation.

“You know it. You please tell me that one player Yuvraj Singh who was Man of the Tournament in 2011, how many people talk about him. Why? Probably he does not have a good PR agency. Probably this word 'underrated' is a very unfair word. It is actually under-shown, if you won't show the people, then they won't know and you keep showing one person, then he will become a brand,” he added.

Gambhir continued to criticise broadcasters, saying, “A broadcaster can never be a PR machinery. The broadcaster needs to be fair to everyone sitting in the dressing room. If I have a machinery today, using which I show one of two players for 2 hours and 50 minutes and the other player for only 10 minutes out of 3 hours, whichever player is shown the longest will become the brand." Gambhir added stressing the importance of giving all players equal screen time, ensuring no one is left in the shadows.

We became bowling obsessed nation in this World Cup: Gambhir 

Gambhir's frustration stems from the fact that some players, especially bowlers like Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammad Siraj, don't get the recognition they deserve. However, he expressed satisfaction that in the recently concluded World Cup, they finally received the appreciation they deserved.

“In this World Cup, one good thing happened and I am pleased about it that we became a bowling-obsessed nation from batting one. Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammad Siraj are getting appreciated for their hard work,” Gambhir added.