‘Didn't get selected as I didn't touch selector's feet’ - Gautam Gambhir reveals career-defining moment

Former Indian batter Gautam Gambhir is widely revered as one of the greats of Indian cricket. The 42-year-old has not just made a name for himself in international cricket but has led IPL (Indian Premier League) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. 

Throughout his career, Gambhi has won many accolades, and recently, the former opener came forward to reveal a career-defining moment for him. Gambhir called back to his days when he played under-14-16 cricket. 

The 42-year-old revealed that he missed out on making the squad for the side that he represented due to him not touching the feet of the selector as a sign of respect. The former batter vowed from that day on that he would not touch anyone’s feet as a sign of self-respect. 

"When I was growing up, maybe when I was 12 or 13 years old, I didn't get selected when I tried out for my first under-14 tournament because I didn't touch the selector's feet. From then I promised myself that I will never ever touch anyone's feet and I do not let anyone touch my feet," Gambhir told Ashwin in an interview on the latter’s YouTube channel.

You can join your dad's business: Gambhir

Furthermore, Gambhir talked about how everyone would mention his family history every time he encountered a hurdle. The 42-year-old revealed that everyone assumed that Gambhir did not have to play cricket, as he could just go on to join his father’s business if cricket did not work out. 

"I remember, coming through my career every time I failed whether it be in the under-16, under-19, Ranji Trophy or even initially in my international career, people would say that you come from a (well-off) family, you don't need to play cricket. You've got so many (options), you can join your dad's business," Gambhir said.

"So that was the biggest perception that was hanging on my head. People did not realise that I wanted it more than them. I wanted to beat that perception. So when I was able to do that, no other perception ever bothers me. The toughest perception for me to beat in my life was that I didn't want it that hard. I wanted it harder than any of them,” he added.