PM Narendra Modi Writes Letter to Gautam Gambhir, Praises Him for His Contributions to Indian Cricket and Social Causes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded former Indian opening batsmen Gautam Gambhir for his contribution to the Indian sports over the year as well as for his efforts to bring “positive difference in the lives of the lesser privileged”.
New Delhi, December 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded former Indian opening batsmen Gautam Gambhir for his contribution to the Indian sports over the years as well as for his efforts to bring “positive difference in the lives of the lesser privileged”. One of the finest openers for India, Gambhir had recently announced his retirement from all the forms of cricket, drawing curtains on 15-year-old career.
PM Modi while praising Gautam Gambhir said, "Let me begin by congratulating you for your stupendous contribution to Indian sports! India will always be grateful to you for your memorable performances, many of which resulted in historic victories for our nation." Gautam Gambhir Retires! World Cup Winning Hero Hangs Boots on His Illustrious 15-Year Career: Watch Video.
Modi while praising Gambhir's passion for the game said, "I am sure the journey was filled with both ups and downs but your dedication and persistence ensured that you began to play for the nation. Within a short span, you emerged as a dependable opener, who often took the team to flying starts."
Here's PM Modi's full letter for Gautam Gambhir:
PM Modi also made a special mention of his contributions during India's triumphant at the ICC World Cup Twenty20 2007 and the ICC World Cup in 2011. Gautam Gambhir Dismisses Rumours of Joining Politics Post Retirement, Open to the Role of Coaching.
“Alongside your game, you have been at the forefront of several community service initiatives and this is extremely heartening to see. It is great when public figures show the way and devote time as well as resources towards bringing a positive difference in the lives of the lesser privileged,” he said. Gambhir 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. “When you announced retirement from all forms of cricket, you left several well-wishers of yours disappointed. However, this decision marks the start of not one but several other innings of your life. You will have the time and opportunity to pursue other aspects which you would have wanted to pursue a lot earlier but did not have the time to.,” Modi said.
Gambhir thanked the PM for his kind words and wrote “Thanks @narendramodi @PMOIndia for the kind words. Nothing of this would have been possible without the love and support of our fellow countrymen. All these deeds are dedicated to our country,” in the same tweet posted along with the letter.
The 37-year-old cricketer was one of the most outspoken sportsmen, in his 15 years old career, he had scored 4,154 runs in 58 matches in Test and 5,238 runs in 147 ODIs. After his retirement, there were speculations that he may join politics but he rejected it.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 17, 2018 03:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).