Gautam Gambhir likely to join BJP today, set to contest Lok Sabha polls

Gautam Gambhir, the noted cricketer who was conferred with Padmashri recently, is likely to join the ruling BJP today. Gambhir, who retired from all forms of cricket during the Ranji Trophy encounter between Delhi and Hyderabad at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium on December 2018, is likely to make the announcement about his political inning in Delhi today.

According to sources, the left-handed batsman will reportedly contest the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat on the BJP's ticket. Gambhir has been vocal on plenty of issues ever since his retirement and he lashed out at the separatists in Kashmir during the Pulwama Terror attack which killed 40 CRPF jawans. “Yes, let’s talk with the separatists. Yes, let’s talk with Pakistan. But this time conversation can’t be on the table, it has to be in a battle ground. Enough is enough,” Gambhir said on his Twitter handle.

 

Back to reality with a LOUD thuddddddd!!!! Padmashri with his Sri Sri Srimati @natashagambhir2 Don’t worry about the तोप in the background, I get fired everyday at home 🙈#PADMASHRIGAUTAMGAMBHIR #PadmaShriAward #Padmashree pic.twitter.com/06783SvyGY

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 16, 2019

During his final international match, many players posed with Gambhir and the left-hander said at that time, “I have always been honest with DDCA and I wanted to finish my career here. There were times when I had the option to play in other states. Loyalty is something which is important to me. I thought that wherever I started, I wanted to end there.” When asked about his future in administration, Gambhir had given an epic reply. “Too straight forward a person to be in administration. I don't think people would accept me anywhere,” Gambhir said with his savage wit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded recently retired cricketer Gautam Gambhir for his contribution to the sport as well for his efforts to bring "positive difference in the lives of the lesser privileged". PM Modi made a special mention of the contribution made by Gambhir during India's triumphant campaign at the ICC World Twenty20 2007 and the ICC World Cup (50-over) in 2011.

"Let me begin by congratulating you for your stupendous contribution to Indian sports! India will always be grateful to you for you memorable performances, many of which resulted in historic victories for our nation," Modi wrote in the letter which was posted by Gambhir on his Twitter handle.

Gambhir thanked the PM for his kind words.

"Thanks @narendramodi @PMOIndia for the kind words. Nothing of this would have been possible without love and support of our fellow countrymen. All these deeds are dedicated to our country," he said in the same tweet posted along with the letter.