Gautam Gambhir Responds To Paddy Upton's 'Most Negative' Comment

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has responded to Paddy Upton’s claims in the latter’s newly launched book ‘The Barefoot Coach’. Upton, who was Team India’s ex-mental conditioning coach, claimed that Gambhir was riddled with insecurities, doubts and vulnerabilities. In fact, Upton went on to state the Gambhir was one of the most negative people he has worked with. Upton’s claims are nothing less than surprising given the way Gambhir’s career panned out.

In addition to being one of India’s all time great openers, he is also one of the most aggressive batsmen in the history of Indian cricket.  The former India batsman made 58 Test appearances for India, accumulating 4154 runs at an average of 41.95. His 147 ODI games fetched 5238 runs, while in 37 T20 Internationals, he scored 932 runs. Known for his outspoken nature, Gambhir also enjoyed a a prolific first-class career, which spanned 197 matches and produced 15,041 runs. His List A run count stands at 10,077. He was also the top-scorer for India in the final of the 2007 World T20I and the 2011 World Cup.

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir Was “Insecure, Negative And Pessimistic”, Says Paddy Upton

However, Upton was not impressed with Gambhir’s personality. The current Rajasthan Royals coach has claimed that Gambhir was “mentally the most insecure, negative and pessimistic”. But unlike most of the times in the past when Gambhir gave a fitting reply to any criticism of his, the former Kolkata Knight Riders captain did not hit back at Upton. Gambhir was quick to point out that Upton did not divulge all the details while also defending his never-satisfied attitude.

“I don’t see anything sinister with what Paddy wrote. He is a top guy and I see this as his personal opinion. He just missed two important things: firstly, he didn’t state all the other facts and secondly, he failed to explain the perspective. Anyone would like to have a guy who is not satisfied with his current achievements. So in short, I wasn’t satisfied with a 100 and wanted to have more,” Gautam Gambhir was quoted as saying by India Today.

Also Read: Piers Morgan Left Red-Faced After He Tried To Troll Sachin Tendulkar

Gambhir further said he has no problem with Upton ignoring his batting achievements.

“Well, if Paddy chose to ignore my services for the country, I can’t comment on that. This is a question for him and not me. But I am not hurt, the facts are there for everyone to see and judge,” said the legendary batsman.