Indian coach Gautam Gambhir (Getty Images) Former chief selector Sandeep Patil has revealed that Gautam Gambhir has never spoken to him since the day he was dropped from the Indian team, despite the two appearing together at several events over the years.A key member of India’s World Cup-winning teams in 2007 and 2011, Gambhir was one of the most influential players in the national team between 2006 and 2012. Although his last international appearance came in November 2016, the first major setback in his career came three years earlier when he was left out of the 13 ODI series against England.
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Statistically, Gambhir’s performances during this phase were far from bad. In the last 25 ODIs he has played for India, the left-hander has hit two centuries and six half-centuries. However, the selectors decided to move on and the decision effectively ended his limited-overs career. After that, he made only occasional appearances in Tests, playing two matches in England in 2014 and another two against New Zealand before his international tour gradually ended.Speaking on the Vicky Lalwani show, Patil admitted the decision was one of several tough calls his selection committee had to make this term. The former chairman explained that personal relationships could not influence such decisions, even if some of the biggest names in Indian cricket were involved.“When you sit as the chairman of selection committee, you are responsible for making some big calls. You don’t look at your friendships/relationship with the players. I share a good relationship with Sachin since he was 14. He played under me, with me. Whenever I text him, he replies immediately. I met Yuvraj on a flight recently; very cordial. Even Gambhirender Seh, everyone was very nice to me. Even today I like him very much respect but he is angry with me and even I was angry with the selection committee when I got 100 in Pakistan, the highest in the Kotl against England in both innings and I never played Test cricket again.Gambhir’s dismissal opened the door for Shikhar Dhawan, who seized the opportunity in spectacular fashion. Dhawan made a memorable Test debut against Australia in Mohali, smashing 187. He later formed a highly successful opening partnership with Rohit Sharma in both ODIs and T20Is, while Gambhir gradually drifted away from the national set-up.The left-hander continued to remain active in franchise cricket, representing Kolkata Knight Riders before ending his IPL career with Delhi Capitals. In 2018, he officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.Even years after the decision, Patil admitted that Gambhir still keeps his distance whenever their paths cross.“Gambhir is still upset. He never spoke to me. We met at so many different shows. We sat in the same room but Gautam never even looked at me. That’s fine. Every time I reached out to him or said ‘Hi’, he never responded. Not even a look. But that’s fair enough,” Patil added.Reflecting on their earlier bond, Patil said that Gambhir was once very close to him and kept in touch regularly, especially during the difficult phases of his career.“He was such a great guy. We played tennis together on tours; we had such a great relationship. Gauti called me almost every two weeks when I was removed as coach. He’s like that. Gautam took his career very seriously and focused on batting and attitude. No cricketer wants to walk off the stage when you’re doing well. No one wants to, Dravid and celebrate quietly. Sehwag celebrated. I didn’t get it.
