Known for his unequivocal approach both on and off the cricket field, former India cricketer and current Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir made headlines again, but this time in the realm of football. During a media interaction a few months back, Gambhir was thrown a rather popular question – whether he preferred Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. However, his response took everyone by surprise as he shrugged off both iconic players, instead naming Marcus Rashford as his favorite. This unexpected twist not only stunned the sports community but also sparked a viral meme craze.
Recently, the cricketer clarified this incident in a video posted by his IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders. He explained that the query was specifically about his “favorite” player, and since neither Messi nor Ronaldo held that title for him, he mentioned Rashford instead. This clarification came during a candid discussion with actor Cyrus Broacha in the inaugural episode of the Knights Dugout podcast, which is available on KKR’s YouTube channel and other social media platforms.
“The whole idea of favorite is personal preference,” Gambhir said to Broacha, emphasizing how his choice is personal and should not be confined by popular opinion. He added vividly, “If you ask me ‘Liverpool or Arsenal?’—if it’s about choosing my favorite, then you don’t get to set the options.”
The conversation soon circled back to the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate. Here, Gambhir acknowledged the prowess of both players but stood firm on his standpoint. He stated, “I’m asked to pick between Messi and Ronaldo, but if I don’t hold a preference for either, what am I to say?”
However, when Broacha rephrased the question to inquire who Gambhir thought was the better player rather than his personal favorite, the cricketer responded without hesitation, “Ronaldo.”
This episode and the discussions therein provide a vivid reminder of how sports can intersect interestingly with personal preferences and media interactions. It also showcases Gambhir’s direct and straightforward personality that fans have come to admire over the years.
Apart from his reflections on football, Gambhir also commented on the ongoing season of the IPL. The Kolkata Knight Riders, under his mentorship, have been performing admirably in the IPL 2024. As of now, the team has bagged four wins out of six matches, positioning themselves second in the points table. The team is gearing up for their next challenge against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scheduled to take place at the Eden Gardens on the upcoming Sunday.
Gambhir’s insightful discussion on sports preferences, the inherent unpredictability in responses to fan-favorite queries, and the impact of such statements on media and fans significantly enrich the sports narrative. It demonstrates the layered connections individuals have with sports, transcending beyond the game and into personal identities and choices.
As the IPL season progresses, fans are not only watching the matches but also keeping an eye on what Gambhir might say or do next. His unexpected take on football favorites has certainly added an intriguing layer to his public persona, one that combines expertise in cricket with a candid, unpredictable charm that resonates well beyond the cricket pitch.