On former captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni's 40th birthday, Gautam Gambhir Facebook page cover page picture of himself from the night of the ICC World Cup final 2011 played against Sri Lanka has managed to stir controversy amongst cricket fans.
It was Gautam Gambhir who performed at the match after the Indian team was struggling at the score of 31/2 with both Sachin and Virender back at the pavilion.
Gambhir scored 97 (122), which brought India closer to the target and after his departure, Dhoni took the lead and took India to a remarkable victory, one that was 28-years apart from Kapil Dev’s back in 1983. On Wednesday, the fans of MS Dhoni celebrated his special day with photos of his special memories, which included the historic WC final win wherein he was awarded as the ‘Man of the Match for his 91.
Gambhir's post didn't go well with Dhoni fans, several of them criticising him for flaunting his photo on Dhoni's birthday.
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir found guilty of hoarding COVID-19 medicines
“Be classy. People value your contribution too. But don’t have this grudge. It’s unbecoming," wrote one user.
Another said, “We are well aware of your contribution to Indian Cricket. Your PR team definitely has doubts over it and hence this type of posting on a particular date. You are better than this and we know it. The younger generation will get a different angle of your digital communication, credits to this type of social media posts.”
“Typical cheap BJP leader tactics now into cricket too," criticised one user.
“*Immaturity Levels* Sky High !!”
“There is no need to post pics to remind us of your achievements. We know your worth. A wish to Dhoni won't harm you," commented one user on social media.
Continuing the thread, another wrote, “I've never seen someone like you before who just thinks cricket is a person's game. No one criticised or ignored your credit but whenever people chants Dhoni's name your body gets itched I guess. Insecure af! And yes, Happiest birthday to my Captain MS Dhoni...”
The comment section was also filled with hateful remarks.
Also Read: Dhoni in ‘Himachali Topi’: Ms Dhoni dons traditional Shimla cap, PICS go viral
In a similar incident, Gambir has earlier, irked Dhoni fans. Last year, on the occasion of the 9th anniversary of the 2011 WC win he responded to a throwback picture saying that the obsession with Dhoni's six had to stop.
Dhoni's famous six-shot had brought the world cup to India.
@ESPNcricinfo : #worldcup2011 was won by entire India, entire Indian team & all support staff. High time you hit your obsession for a SIX."
Many held Ganbhir's tweet as distasteful.