India & Pakistan have an intriguing rivalry and is considered to be the mother of all battles. At the same time, we can see that players have a good bond among themselves off the field. Gautam Gambhir, the former opening batter was quite fierce against Pakistani team members. Gautam Gambhir though was quite impressed with the bowling of Shoaib Akhtar.
Gautam Gambhir can be seen fearless in the commentary box and in the expert panel giving sensical analysis. Gautam Gambhir had a famous on field spat with the legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi and even now today the fans recall the incident which was way back in 2007.
Shahid Afridi & Gambhir though don’t share a good bond and are often seen in verbal spat during press conferences and media interactions. Perhaps, BCCI & PCB must intervene and resolve the issue. Gambhir is never out of controversies as his statements are quite candid & straight forward which spur the cricketers & fans.
Shoaib Akhtar could change the game in a span of five overs- Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir was having an interaction with Star Sports during Asia Cup 2023 and was asked as which was the toughest bowler he had faced during his playing days. Gautam Gambhir astounded everyone by naming Shoaib Akhtar ahead of the likes Brett Lee, Shane Bond & the lethal Mitchell Johnson.
“Shoaib Akhtar was the most dangerous and lethal fast bowler in the world. I have played against Brett Lee, Shane Bond and Mitchell Johnson, but they were nowhere near Shoaib Akhtar. When he was in a mood, he could change the game in a span of 5 overs,” said Gautam Gambhir.
“We were playing against Pakistan and Shoaib Akhtar was quick. His bouncers had gone over the head of wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal for fours. He told Kamran to stand at the edge of the thirty yard circle. I was batting with Sachin Tendulkar at that time. He told me we can take a single if the ball goes to the keeper. Shoaib was that fast,” he added.