Gautam Gambhir: A Detailed Overview
Early Life and Background
Gautam Gambhir was born on October 14, 1981, in New Delhi, India. He comes from a well-established Punjabi family with deep roots in the business community. His father, Deepak Gambhir, runs a flourishing textile business, while his mother, Seema Gambhir, is a homemaker. Gautam was raised in a joint family setup and has a younger sister named Ekta, who is two years younger than him. The strong support from his family played a significant role in shaping his cricketing career.
Gambhir showed an interest in cricket at a very young age. He began his cricket training at the age of 10 under the guidance of his first coach, Sanjay Bharadwaj, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy in Delhi. Later, he was also mentored by Raju Tandon. His early cricketing prowess was evident, and he quickly rose through the ranks in school-level cricket. Gautam was later selected for the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore in 2000, a significant step towards his professional cricket career.
Education
Gautam Gambhir attended Modern School in New Delhi, where he balanced his academics with his passion for cricket. While his primary focus was always on cricket, Gambhir understood the importance of education and completed his schooling with commendable grades. After finishing school, he enrolled at Hindu College, University of Delhi, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree. However, due to his increasing commitments to cricket, he couldn’t devote much time to his college education.
Cricketing Career
Gambhir made his debut in first-class cricket in the 1999-2000 season for Delhi. His consistent performances in domestic cricket earned him a spot in the Indian national team. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Bangladesh in 2003 and his Test debut against Australia in 2004.
One of the highlights of Gambhir’s career was his performance in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, where he played a pivotal role in India’s triumph. His 75-run innings in the final against Pakistan was instrumental in India lifting the inaugural T20 World Cup.
Gambhir also played a crucial role in India’s 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup victory, scoring a vital 97 runs in the final against Sri Lanka. His innings is often regarded as one of the finest in World Cup history. Over the years, Gambhir was known for his aggressive yet composed batting style, making him one of India’s most reliable opening batsmen.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gambhir captained the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and led the team to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. He is remembered for his leadership and his ability to anchor the innings in crucial matches.
Family Life
Gautam Gambhir is married to Natasha Jain, who also hails from a prominent business family in Delhi. The couple tied the knot on October 28, 2011, in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. Natasha has always been a pillar of support for Gambhir, and the couple is known for maintaining a low profile, keeping their personal life away from the public eye.
The couple has two daughters, Aazeen and Anaiza. Gambhir is a devoted family man and often shares moments from his family life on social media, emphasizing the importance of family values and togetherness.
Political Career
After retiring from all forms of cricket in December 2018, Gautam Gambhir transitioned into politics. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in March 2019 and contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the East Delhi constituency. He won the election by a significant margin, marking the beginning of his political career. As a Member of Parliament, Gambhir has been actively involved in various social causes, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development in his constituency.
Net Worth
Gautam Gambhir’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million (approximately INR 120 crore). His wealth comes from various sources, including his earnings from cricket, endorsements, and his political career. During his cricketing days, Gambhir was among the highest-paid cricketers in India, with lucrative contracts from the BCCI and IPL franchises. He has endorsed several brands, including Reebok, Hero MotoCorp, and Red Bull, adding significantly to his net worth.
In addition to his earnings from cricket and endorsements, Gambhir has also invested in real estate and other businesses, further boosting his financial portfolio. He owns several properties in Delhi, including a luxurious residence in the capital city.
Salary
As a Member of Parliament, Gautam Gambhir receives a salary in line with the Indian government’s pay structure for MPs, which includes a base salary, allowances, and perks. While his exact salary as an MP varies based on allowances, it is estimated to be around INR 1 lakh per month, along with additional allowances for office expenses, travel, and other perks provided to MPs.
Philanthropy and Social Work
Gautam Gambhir is actively involved in various charitable activities and has established the Gautam Gambhir Foundation, which focuses on social issues like hunger, education, and healthcare. The foundation runs a community kitchen in Delhi, providing free meals to the underprivileged. Gambhir’s commitment to social causes has earned him respect both within and outside the cricketing community.
He is also known for his efforts in promoting the welfare of soldiers and their families. Gambhir has consistently spoken out on issues related to national security and the welfare of armed forces personnel.
Legacy and Impact
Gautam Gambhir’s impact on Indian cricket is significant. He was known for his fighting spirit, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. His contributions to Indian cricket, particularly in the T20 World Cup 2007 and the 2011 Cricket World Cup, have cemented his legacy as one of India’s finest cricketers.
Beyond cricket, Gambhir’s transition to politics and his commitment to social work reflect his desire to continue serving the nation in different capacities. His work as an MP and philanthropist showcases his dedication to making a positive difference in society.
Conclusion
Gautam Gambhir is not only a celebrated cricketer but also a dedicated public servant and philanthropist. His journey from the cricket field to the political arena is a testament to his multifaceted personality and his commitment to the nation. Whether it is through his cricketing achievements, his contributions to society, or his role as a family man, Gautam Gambhir continues to inspire millions with his dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to his principles.
FAQ
Who is daughter of Gautam Gambhir?
Aazeen Gambhir
Anaiza Gambhir
Q.1 What is the education of Gautam Gambhir?
Ans. He received his schooling from Modern School, New Delhi and didn’t pursue graduation. He stayed at his maternal uncle Pawan Gulati’s residence in the ’90s. Gambhir considers Gulati to be his mentor and would often call him up before important matches.
Q.2 What is the income of Gautam Gambhir?
Ans. According to reports from Times Now, Gambhir is expected to earn approximately Rs 12 crore annually.12 Jul 2024
Q.3 Is Gautam Gambhir coach of the Indian team?
Ans. Gautam Gambhir took charge as the head coach of Indian men’s cricket team on Tuesday. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the news with an Instagram post of Gambhir training with the cricket team.