Gautam Gambhir updates 2011 WC final picture as Facebook cover on MS Dhoni's birthday, fans term him 'jealous, frustrated'

Former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is celebrating his 40th birthday on July 7, 2021. A slew of cricketers, including past and current, wished the legendary skipper through their social media handles. However, an eerie bit of social media tattle started when former cricketer Gautam Gambhir updated his cover picture on networking site Facebook.

Raising his bat in acknowledgement, Gambhir’s picture in a mud-soaked Indian jersey from the fateful day of 2nd April 2011 might be a sight to behold for every Indian fan, but what many went on to question him over was the timing of the update.

Notably, Gambhir was one of the chief architects of India’s stellar triumph over Sri Lanka a decade ago at the Wankhede Stadium, when he played arguably the most significant knock of his career – a 122-ball 97 – that helped India lift the coveted World Cup trophy after an agonizing wait of 28 years.

While India basked in glory under the night sky of Mumbai, and the moment continues to send shivers down the spine of any Indian cricket fanatic to this day, Gambhir’s knock remains criminally underrated. On the night of the final, the narrative was dominated by Player of the Final MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91, his iconic swing off Nuwan Kulasekara over long-on, and Sachin Tendulkar’s honour lap that made the most noise.

Gambhir’s post raises eyebrows aplenty

In a team game that cricket is, one fails themselves every time a comparison of two members playing with a common motive is brought up. India would have failed had Dhoni failed. But India would have failed just as much had Gambhir failed. The latter has been outspoken in suggesting how no single knock can suffice for that win for each run, each effort counts.

However, that Gambhir opted to update the picture on MS Dhoni’s birthday, who is always recalled as the protagonist of India’s conquest, was enough to raise eyebrows aplenty. While some termed his move “childish”, few went on to declare him “jealous”. “Your inspiring person. Stop doing childish things like this. No matter what happens..,” a user commented. “It’s a great knock but not great behaviour to update this picture today,” read another comment.

Here’s how fans reacted: