Years after they retired from competitive cricket, Sreesanth and Gautam Gambhir had a heated altercation during an eliminator Legendary League Cricket (LLC) match between the Gambhir led-Indian Capitals and Gujarat Giants (for whom Sreesanth plays) in Surat on Wednesday. The umpires had to intervene and separate the two players.
After the match, the Kerala fast bowler alleged that Gambhir had repeatedly called him ‘a fixer’! Sreesanth also accused Gambhir of lack of respect for his former colleagues, including cricketing stalwarts like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
Gambhir fans claim that it was Sreesanth who instigated the spat, while the latter’s fans argue that Gambhir should not have used the word ‘fixer.’
The nasty on-field spat has become the talk of the cricketing circuit and spawned discussions about what constitutes ‘sportsmanship’, and what ‘sporting behaviour’ should be like.
‘He Suffers from superiority complex’
This isn’t the first time the former India opener has been in the news for his problematic behaviour and attitude. “Gambhir suffers from a superiority complex and the number of contentious incidents in his career is proof,” says Vijay Boddupalli, cricket commentator and sports psychologist. He noted that Gambhir has been known to pick fights with members of his own team, like Virat Kohli, Dhoni and Sreesanth.
“When someone (Gambhir) has had such an attitude for a very long time, there’s clearly something wrong. I guess he is thinking he’s supreme, and above everyone. I know sledging is part of cricket but you cannot get into a player’s personal life,” he adds.
Former Indian spinner V V Kumar feels Gambhir should have refrained from making such (fixer) comments and adds that the former Team India player’s attitude and behaviour set a dangerous precedent for youngsters.
“He (Gambhir) can’t insult fellow cricketers. He should have maintained dignity not only for himself but also for the country,” Kumar asserts.
He also points out that Gambhir has had problems not just with players but also with selectors, officials and cricket associations. “I have great regard for him as a cricketer, but attitude-wise he isn’t the best. Such behaviour isn’t acceptable,” Kumar states, adding that Sreesanth too has been involved in on-field spats and should have been careful.
‘MPs should be more responsible’
Gambhir’s name-calling has rekindled public memory of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal and the subsequent ban on Sreesanth. “Fixer is a word Sreesanth has to live with throughout his life,” says Sunil Yash Kalra, sports analyst and commentator. He notes that both players were part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team, and had been involved in individual controversies. He faults Gambhir for his choice of words (fixer).
“In this time of social media, grace and dignity are the need of the hour. No act of a player should bring disrepute to the sport. They could have just picked up the phone and talked to each other,” says Sunil. He also points out that being politicians from the same party (BJP), they should have been more responsible. “Gambhir is a sitting MP while Sreesanth drew a blank when he contested on the party’s ticket in Kerala. Instead of kicking up this unnecessary row they should have kept calm. After all, they have retired from the game and LLC is like the after-party for retired giants,” he remarks.
After enquiry, action will be taken
The organisers will be conducting the enquiry. The LLC also issued a statement regarding the argument between the two players and said they will conduct an internal investigation on the violation of the code of conduct.
“The incident violates the code of conduct and necessary action will be taken against all who have violated the clear rules stated by the league’s Code of Conduct and Ethics Committee,” Syed Kirmani, the Head of Code of Conduct & Ethics Committee, Legends League Cricket said in an official statement. (Bipin Dani)
