Former Indian cricketer Sandeep Patil, a member of India’s historic 1983 Cricket World Cup winning squad, has revealed that his relationship with former opener Gautam Gambhir deteriorated after he dropped him from the Indian team during his time as chairman of selectors.
Speaking on a talk show on a YouTube channel, Sandeep Patil shared that he and Gambhir once had a warm friendship but things changed after that selection decision. According to Sandeep Patil, Gambhir still seems upset and has not spoken to him since.
Sandeep Patil, who is now 69 and played 29 Tests and 45 ODIs for India, said that he has tried to greet Gautam Gambhir during public appearances and television discussions on various news channels but the former opener has not responded. He explained that Gambhir would often avoid eye contact or acknowledgment, even when Sandeep Patil greeted him.
Despite the strained relationship, Sandeep Patil said that he continues to respect Gautam Gambhir and remembers the good times they shared earlier. He recalled that they once had a strong rapport, even playing tennis together and regularly staying in touch. Gautam Gambhir used to call him every couple of weeks and even reached out to him when Sandeep Patil was removed from a coaching role.
Sandeep Patil served as chairman of selectors from 2012 to 2016, a period that saw a major transition in Indian cricket. During that time, legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly had already retired or were nearing the end of their careers.
Reflecting on players being dropped from the national side, Sandeep Patil said that every cricketer reacts differently. Some accept it quietly while others find it harder to move on. He mentioned that players like VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly stepped away gracefully when their time came, while Virender Sehwag hoped for a more celebratory farewell but did not get one.
Sandeep Patil also noted that Gautam Gambhir was extremely serious and focused about his career and batting. He added that for any professional athlete, being dropped from the team is never easy, especially when they believe they are still performing well.
Well, it seems Gautam Gambhir doesn’t forget and forgive easily.
