Twitter Reactions: World Cup hero Gautam Gambhir bids adieu from all formats of the game

Gautam Gambhir has decided to call it a day from his illustrious 18-year career. Delhi’s upcoming Ranji Trophy game against Andhra will be the last of his cricketing career. He posted an emotional video on his official Facebook page to make an announcement while recalling all the moments ever since stepping onto the field. The hero of India’s two World Cup victories deserved a better farewell though as he made his last international appearance in 2016 in Rajkot.

Not many saw it coming even as the Delhi cricketer was released by his franchise Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. He endured a disastrous 2018 season of the league and stepped down from the captaincy midway through the season and didn’t play even a single game since then. Though he had his moments in the most celebrated T20 extravaganza winning two trophies leading the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Successful career

Gautam Gambhir first forayed in the international arena in 2003 against Bangladesh and since then became one of the vital cogs of the Indian team. He also led the team at one stage in the absence of the senior cricketers. However, the defining moment of his career came in the World T20 in 2007 which was the first edition of the tournament. The left-hander was the most consistent player for the Men in Blue and slammed 75 runs in the final against the arch-rivals Pakistan which set the stage for a grandiose victory.

This was not the end of the glory days for him. The lad went on to play another brilliant knock for his country which is still fresh in the minds of the fans. In 2011 World Cup final, Gambhir played out of his skin to score 97 runs in a steep chase and made sure that they didn’t let the opportunity go like it did in 2003.

Seven years later, the 37-year-old, not in the most fashioned way, he announced his retirement with a heavy heart but Indian fans will always remember him as their World Cup hero.

Here’s how Twitterati reacted to Gambhir’s retirement:

Get the latest Cricket News and updates, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.