In a recent candid conversation with renowned off-spinner R Ashwin on his YouTube channel, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir opened up about the much debated ‘Fair Play’ award presented annually in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Gambhir, who is currently the mentor of two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders, felt that his presence with any franchise seems to negatively impact their chances of winning the fair play trophy.
The former India captain stated that no matter which franchise he has been associated with in the past, like Lucknow Super Giants last season and KKR this year, they have consistently found themselves positioned near the bottom of the fair play table. Gambhir cited KKR currently occupying the ninth spot out of ten teams as an example.
When Ashwin tried to draw parallels between the fair play award and school merit certificates often given to well behaved students, Gambhir responded with his trademark wit by pointing out he has always been a ‘backbencher’ even during his school days. The seasoned campaigner believes teams should prioitize winning silverware over secondary awards. He remarked that no franchise he has been part of has ever won the fair play trophy under his mentorship.
In a lighthearted moment, Gambhir also reminisced about his recent warm hug with former RCB skipper Virat Kohli in Bengaluru, hoping the gesture of sportsmanship would help KKR climb up the fair play standings. However, they are yet to rise from the bottom despite an improved on-field conduct. Gambhir signed off by joking that the fair play award seems to elude franchises associated with him. KKR will be eyeing the trophy when they take on SRH in Tuesday’s IPL qualifier 1 in Ahmedabad.
