Gautam Gambhir issues apology for kicking chair

Gautam Gambhir has issued an apology for his actions that got him in trouble in Kolkata Knight Riders’ win over the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The incident occurred during the KKR batting innings, wherein Gambhir was seen to kick a chair across the KKR dugout following the fall of a wicket. The Knight Riders rode on the heroics of Yusuf Pathan to eventually claim victory from the jaws of defeat.

The 34-year old southpaw pleaded guilty for breaching Article 2.1.8 of the Code of conduct. He also admitted to the Level 1 offence and was subsequently fined 15% of his match fees. Though the outburst may have happened in the heat of the moment, as the match was heading for a close finish, even the commentators were amused by the style of Gambhir’s celebrations.

“Gambhir admitted the Level 1 offence [Article 2.1.8] of abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a match. For Level 1 breaches of the IPL Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding,” read an official IPL statement.

The 34-year old skipper of the Knight Riders was quick to realize his mistake and also quick to tender an apology for abusing the equipment provided to the players for the game.

”My brush with the authorities is not new. While I am repentant and embarrassed, I have never got the answer to one very basic question: Aren’t role models entitled to have emotions? Aren’t they human enough to express themselves or release their pent-up feelings? I think they too are by-products of the times and the society they are living in.”

This isn’t the first time Gambhir has been in an altercation with the authorities. He has previously been involved in on-field altercations with Saurabh Tiwary in the Ranji Trophy as well as Virat Kohli, the captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

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