Cricket

Tributes flow as India head coach Gautam Gambhir celebrates 45th birthday

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 14, 2026, 15:30 IST

Former teammates Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina led the birthday tributes for India head coach Gautam Gambhir as he turned 45, reflecting on his storied career and current leadership role.

Tributes flow as India head coach Gautam Gambhir celebrates 45th birthday

India head coach Gautam Gambhir celebrated his 45th birthday on Wednesday, receiving a wave of warm wishes from former teammates and prominent figures within the cricketing fraternity. The former opening batter, who transitioned into the national coaching role in July 2024, was lauded for his enduring impact on the sport and his competitive nature.

Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina were among the first to publicly acknowledge the milestone, reflecting on their shared history with the left-hander. Yuvraj took to social media to offer his support, encouraging Gambhir to continue his upward trajectory in his coaching career, while Raina highlighted the grit that defined Gambhir’s playing days, describing him as a true fighter on the field.

A legacy of grit and championship success

Gambhir’s reputation as a resilient competitor was forged during his international career between 2003 and 2016. As a key member of the Indian setup, he was instrumental in the 2011 ODI World Cup victory, most notably anchoring the final against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium with a pivotal 97-run knock. Across his international career, he amassed 10,324 runs in 242 matches, maintaining an average of 38.95 with 20 centuries and 63 half-centuries to his name.

Beyond his international exploits, Gambhir established himself as a successful leader in the Indian Premier League, guiding the Kolkata Knight Riders to titles in 2012 and 2014. His transition to coaching has been equally impactful; since taking the helm in 2024, he has overseen a period of significant success, including victories in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the 2025 ACC Men's Asia Cup, and the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Recognition from the cricketing establishment

The tributes extended beyond his former peers, with senior administrators acknowledging his ongoing contribution to the national team. Rohan Jaitley, president of the Delhi and District Cricket Association, expressed pride in Gambhir’s journey, noting his status as a homegrown talent who continues to inspire new generations of cricketers. Similarly, BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla praised Gambhir’s unwavering passion and commitment, wishing him continued success as he shapes the future of Indian cricket.