Gautam Gambhir bares it all at Goafest 2025: “Cricket is a part of my life, not my life"

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Gautam Gambhir bares it all at Goafest 2025: “Cricket is a part of my life, not my life"

Team India coach gets candid on pressure, patriotism and purpose in a fiery fireside chat with Anan

Gautam Gambhir

MUMBAI: If there were any doubts about Gautam Gambhir being a straight shooter, they were obliterated in the opening minutes of his fireside chat at Goafest 2025. Titled "Why So Serious? The Making of Gautam Gambhir", the session was anything but sombre. Moderated by CNN News18's Anand Narasimhan, the hour-long conversation unpacked the mind of one of Indian cricket's most intense figures—and revealed the grit behind the game face.

"10,000 runs are not important", Gambhir asserted early on, dismissing the fetish for stats in favour of match-defining moments. "You don’t play for broadcasters or the media; you play for the common man". That common man, he noted, has always been his ultimate judge, not press headlines or highlight reels.

Gambhir emphasised that public memory may be short, but for players, the work behind the scenes is lifelong. His mantra to aspiring cricketers and leaders: "It’s okay to make mistakes. Take decisions with conviction".

The conversation took a personal turn as Gambhir spoke of his singular regret—not serving in the army. "If given a choice today, I would give up everything to join", he said. That spirit, he added, defines both his approach to cricket and life. "I’m not into Bollywood, I’m not into corporates. I’m just here to win".

Touching on his coaching stint, Gambhir credited India's Champions Trophy win to the entire dressing room. "It wasn’t about me or the captain. Everyone contributed".

When asked about his notorious intensity, he responded, "There is nothing wrong with having a game face. Cricket is a profession where only one side wins".

On heated dressing room exchanges and media narratives, Gambhir remained stoic. "If it’s not personal, it ends on the field. Once the match is done, it’s dinner and back to normal".

He admitted that India's transition phase in red-ball cricket demands patience. "You can’t compare formats. Australia was tough, but so will England be. The key is to stay the course".

On retirement, he recalled waking up one morning in 2018 and realising the fire was gone. "If you can’t be the best, it’s time to go. And once you go, don’t look back".

Politics, he claimed, "just happened". He entered with a desire to change things, but eventually returned to cricket. "Five years in politics taught me my peace lies on the pitch".

His closing advice was aimed at India’s next generation of leaders: "If your intent is right, don’t fear failure. Lead from the front, be vulnerable, and never stop being honest".