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After leading his team to victory in the ICC T20 Men's World Cup, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the notion of being 'misunderstood' in his roles as both player and coach. He expressed that if being labeled a 'villain' for prioritizing the team over individual players is the price he must pay, he accepts it, believing that his integrity will ultimately vindicate him. Gambhir, renowned for his pivotal performances in World Cups and his coaching journey, shared these insights following the Men in Blue's historic achievement of defending the T20 World Cup title at home.

Media's Role in Perception

In response to a viral video featuring Ravichandran Ashwin, who described Gambhir as 'one of the most misunderstood and selfless cricketers,' Gambhir remarked, 'The media often creates narratives that cast someone as either a hero or a villain.' He elaborated that this tendency to label individuals stems from the media's storytelling approach, which often requires a clear distinction between good and bad characters.

Honesty and Clarity in Coaching

Gambhir emphasized that he cannot comment on whether he is misunderstood, but he is proud of his honesty. He stated, 'I live my life in black and white, avoiding grey areas.'

Facing Criticism and Speculation

Throughout his coaching tenure, Gambhir has faced scrutiny, especially after significant defeats. Speculations have arisen regarding his influence on the retirements of cricket legends like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Following India's recent Test series losses, calls for a change in coaching staff have intensified.

Team Selection Dynamics

Discussing team selection, Gambhir clarified that the roles of coach and selectors are collaborative. He stated, 'No one overpowers the other; we all work together for the success of Indian cricket.' He praised Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, for his integrity and noted that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has empowered selectors and coaches to make decisions in the best interest of the sport.

The Importance of Recognition

Gambhir expressed his belief that no player should be labeled as 'underrated.' He stated, 'The worst thing in cricket is when a player is undervalued or underappreciated.' He highlighted that every player works hard to represent India and deserves equal recognition for their contributions, regardless of their social media following or public perception.

Equal Appreciation for All Players

He stressed that every player's performance should be valued equally, saying, 'It is our duty as a nation to ensure that all players receive the recognition they deserve.' Gambhir concluded by asserting that no player should ever feel undervalued, as each one plays a crucial role in the team's success.