Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has revealed why he forego Rs 2.8 crore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 salary. The left-hander last season was picked by Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) after Gambhir and Kolkata Knight Riders parted ways. Gambhir also captained the Delhi-based franchise before he gave it up and was subsequently dropped for remaining games. Gautam Gambhir Dismisses Rumours of Joining Politics Post Retirement, Open to the Role of Coaching.

The left-hander then decided not to charge a single penny for his participation in the IPL 2018. Gambhir recently revealed that due to his poor performance he did not deserve the amount and thus gave it up. “Last year, I had a contract of 2.80 crores, but I didn’t take a single rupee from the IPL as I felt that my 100 runs weren’t worth that much amount. It’s a fact. And I’m not saying that I’ve become god by leaving the amount and I genuinely thought that I didn’t deserve it as I couldn’t perform, both as a batsman and captain,” Gambhir told Sports Tak.

“I would’ve accepted it happily had I been able to serve the needs of the team. Had I accepted the money even after underperforming then I would’ve spent my entire life in guilt. Sometimes when you listen to your heart, you get more clarity about things and hence I prefer to listen to my heart. And had I thought with my mind, I couldn’t have performed well,” he added. Gautam Gambhir Criticises MS Dhoni's Captaincy During 2011-12 CB ODI Series; Says, 'It Was a Massive Shock'

Gambhir was eventually replaced by Shreyas Iyer as Delhi’s captain. In six matches in 2018 IPL, Gambhir managed to score only 85 runs, though it included a half-century as well. The former KKR captain recently retired from all forms of cricket. The 37-year-old after the retirement said that he was looking to take up coaching role instead of doing the commentary.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 14, 2018 12:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).