‘This is mainly due to franchise cricket’ – Gautam Gambhir’s straightforward take on India-Pakistan players' current camaraderie

Former India batter Gautam Gambhir had a straightforward take on the players of India and Pakistan engaging in light-hearted moments during the match. Notably, courtesy of a downpour at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, the two arch-rivals shared points due to a no result.

In the midst of the interruption due to rain, players from both teams were seen engaging in a friendly chat with each other. However, Gambhir was left bemused by the camaraderie between the players as he stated that players need to be aggressive in their game during the match.

Also see: Most Runs in Asia Cup 2023

"When you play on the field for your national team, you must leave the friendship outside the boundary ropes. Game face hona zaroori hai. Dosti bahaar rehni chahiye. (It is important to have a game face. The friendship can remain outside during the match). There has to be an aggression in the eyes of both sets of players. You can be as friendly as you want after those six or seven hours of cricket," Gambhir said on Star Sports.

"Those hours are very important, because you're not just representing yourself, you're representing a nation of over a billion. These days you see players of rival teams patting each other on the back and exchanging fist bumps during a match. You would never see that a few years ago. Aap friendly match hi khel rahe ho,” he added.

Gambhir is very clear about the basics of game and how cricket should be played. Stop giving smooches to opponents. I think those playing for their images should stay only in #Pakistan Dugout during #AsiaCup2023
That’s why
#Gautamgambhir>>>>>Kohli+Rohit#PAKvIND #AsiaCup #kohli pic.twitter.com/FRynKBFKAr

— ck (@Ck2903Ck) September 2, 2023

Notably, Gambhir relished playing against Pakistan during his stint with the national team and was regarded as one of the most aggressive yet focused players on the field. Gambhir further highlighted the subject of sledging as he stated that banter between players is ‘fine’ as long as it does not get personal. 

"(You can) sledge, but don't get personal. You have to stay within your limits. Don't involve someone's family member or get too personal. Banter is fine. In games against Australia and Pakistan, there used to be banter," he said.

Speaking about the Asia Cup, Pakistan have progressed to the Super Four after earning a point against India. On the other hand, the Men in Blue will need to obtain a result in their favour against Nepal so as to progress to the next round.