Gautam Gambhir Was Dropped from Team Because He Refused to Touch Selectors’ Feet

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir revealed that he was not picked up for the under-14 tournament because he refused to touch the selectors feet like some of his teammates.

Gautam Gambhir, currently mentoring the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2024, also revealed that the incident led him to promise himself to never touch anyone’s feet or allow anyone to touch his.

Here’s what Gautam Gambhir told R Ashwin on his recent podcast:

“When I was growing up, maybe when I was 12 or 13 years old, I didn’t get selected when I tried out for my first under-14 tournament because I didn’t touch the selector’s feet. From then I promised myself that I will never ever touch anyone’s feet and I do not let anyone touch my feet.”

Gambhir also pointed out that initially, many believed he didn’t have the same ambition to become a successful cricketer due to his affluent background.

“I remember, coming through my career every time I failed whether it be in the under-16, under-19, Ranji Trophy or even initially in my international career, people would say that you come from a (well-off) family, you don’t need to play cricket. You’ve got so many (options), you can join your dad’s business,” he said.

Since retiring in 2019, Gambhir has remained active as a commentator. He mentored the Lucknow Super Giants in the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons. This year, he returned to KKR as a team mentor, leading them to finish at the top of the league stage. They will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first qualifier on Tuesday.