“He’s a different character”- Shahid Afridi on Gautam Gambhir for their field battles and fiery moments.

The rivalry between India and Pakistan stands out as one of the most intense and fiercely contested matchups in international cricket. Over the years, these two Asian cricket powerhouses have engaged in numerous high-stakes battles that have often been marked by heightened emotions and passionate encounters on the field. The competitive spirit of the India-Pakistan clash has frequently led to heated verbal exchanges among players.

One of the most iconic on-field altercations in an India-Pakistan encounter involved Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi during an ODI match in 2007. This incident has since become a memorable instance of the rivalry, symbolizing the intensity that characterizes these clashes. In the years following this episode, Gambhir and Afridi have maintained a contentious relationship, frequently engaging in public disagreements spanning both cricketing and political realms.

In a recent development, Shahid Afridi was questioned about his ability to provoke Gautam Gambhir during their playing days. In response, the former all-rounder emphasized that sledging, or verbal exchanges, is an inherent aspect of the game, particularly in matches with such high stakes.

Afridi (on a show) said “These things go on cricket. It’s normal. And I feel it has been more hyped up in social media. Woh different kisam ka character hain, aam players se thoda alag hain (He has a different character from that of normal players). His reputation is the same in Team India as well. It is not like it was only with me…he…I feel we should discuss more positive things in this show.” “Very few Indian batters I’ve seen having such good timing with the bat. He is an outstanding player.”