If I Join Politics, Don’t Vote for Gautam the Cricketer: Gambhir

(This interview is being republished from The Quint’s archives. It is being posted today, 22 March, since Gautam Gambhir has announced that he will be joining the BJP)

Two World Cups and two IPL titles in his trophy cabinet and Gautam Gambhir retired from cricket last December a happy man.

But what next for the former opener? A stint as a coach? Commentary? Or something else that’s been speculated widely – politics?

There have been many reports of Gautam Gambhir picking the upcoming Lok Sabha elections to make his debut in politics. The Quint asked the Delhi resident about his plans, and while he denied the reports, there could be something in the works from what else he had to say . Gambhir said if he ever were to make a foray into politics, people should vote for him not because he was a cricketer, but only if they believe he can deliver.

“Honestly, I haven’t even thought about it. Plus, if ever there is a situation in life that I get into that space, don’t vote for Gautam Gambhir the cricketer, don’t vote for Gautam Gambhir the human either. Vote for Gautam Gambhir if you believe in him. If you believe he can change your life for the better and can make this country a better place to live. Vote for that Gambhir. Because if you don’t believe those things, don’t vote for him because I would never get into this space thinking I’m a power-hungry boy.”

Gautam Gambhir

While Gambhir has as recently as yesterday still denied having any political aspirations, he told The Quint in this interview in December that he would remain a man true to his word.

“I like to walk the talk. I like if people can trust me and I like to deliver,” he said.

“I have never been a power-hungry person. I’ve never run after power. All I’ve ever wanted to do in life is touch as many lives as I can. If I can do that, and if you believe I can do that, probably vote for me. If you don’t believe, I’m not going to lie. I don’t believe in saying lies and making people emotional for anything. I like being straight-forward. I like if people can trust me and I like to deliver. I like to walk the talk. I have met many people in my life who can talk a lot but I have always believed it is about walking the talk. If I can’t walk the talk, I have no right to talk.”

Gautam Gambhir