NEW DELHI: Team India head coach and former opener Gautam Gambhir is known for his intense demeanor, rarely seen flashing a smile. Staying true to his reputation, he maintained a serious expression throughout the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand. Fully engaged in the game, he reacted passionately whenever India hit a boundary or took a crucial wicket.
After India’s four-wicket triumph over New Zealand, Gambhir, who secured his first ICC title as coach, surprised everyone with his ‘shayari’.
During a post-match interaction, he joined former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu in summing up India’s victory in poetic style. Gambhir playfully teased Sidhu with a couplet, prompting him to complete it.
Here’s how the exchange unfolded:
Sidhu: “Gauti bhai… See…”
Gambhir: “Forget about me. You please recite your sher. Or shall I?”
Sidhu: “Alright. Go ahead.”
Gambhir: “It’s your sher.”
Gambhir: “Fann kuchalne ka hunar seekhiye janaab…”
Sidhu: “Saanpo ke darr se jungle nahi chore jaate.”
Sidhu then playfully urged Gambhir to celebrate with a bhangra move, but the head coach initially refused outright.
“Please create one more piece of history today. It’s a request from me as an elder brother. Show us some bhangra,” Sidhu said.
To this, Gambhir replied, “Arre nahi, main chala jaunga” (No way, I’ll leave).
However, with some persuasion from Sidhu and Aakash Chopra, Gambhir eventually gave in, joining in for a bhangra step to the Punjabi track Sauda Khara Khara.
This was India’s third Champions Trophy triumph, having previously won in 2002 (as joint winners with Sri Lanka) and in 2013.
