Gautam Gambhir faced criticism for favoring former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) players like Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, and Shreyas Iyer for the Indian national team. However, his decisions were validated when Varun, making his ODI debut, took five wickets against New Zealand, and Iyer scored 79 runs, stabilizing India’s innings. Their performances led India to secure the top position in Group B of the ICC Champions Trophy. Fans, who had previously mocked Gambhir for using a ‘KKR quota’, praised him online after witnessing the duo’s impactful play. Gambhir’s bold selections showcased his cricketing acumen.
Often criticized for supporting his former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) teammates Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, and even Shreyas Iyer for national selection, Gautam Gambhir managed to turn the cricket fanbase’s perspective on social media. Reports suggest that Gambhir played a crucial role in the inclusion of Varun Chakravarthy in India’s ODI squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, despite the fact that the mystery spinner hadn’t debuted in the 50-over format until the England series preceding the high-profile event. However, Varun made an impact with his bowling against New Zealand on Sunday, showcasing that Gambhir’s support was well-founded.
With the bat, it was Shreyas Iyer who brought stability to India’s faltering innings after the early losses of Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. After facing ridicule on social media for the so-called ‘KKR quota’ in international selection, Gambhir witnessed a significant shift in fan sentiment as they praised him online for his bold choices.
Iyer emerged as India’s top scorer in the Group B match against the Kiwis, amassing 79 runs off 98 balls, while Varun claimed his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. Thanks to the exceptional performances of both players in Dubai, India successfully defended a total of 249/9 against New Zealand, finishing the group stage in the top position.
Some fans even took the opportunity to apologize to Gambhir for doubting his decisions. Here are a few ‘KKR quota’ memes that fans shared on social media after the brilliant performances by Varun and Iyer:
If Varun Chakravarthy is KKR Quota then we need more KKR Quota players in Indian Team pic.twitter.com/hthVJ6iRCx
— INDIA (@KKRWeRule) March 2, 2025
Varun is so so good on these wickets I am sorry gambhir I wasn’t aware of your game
— Ammar Khanani (@AmmarKhanani) March 2, 2025
Gambhir KKR Quota pic.twitter.com/gdQ7CrgEtL
— Rebellious Knight (@Rahul__74) March 2, 2025
Harshit Rana took 3 wickets on CT debut match
Varun CV took 5 wickets on CT debut match
“But saar kkr quota saar” pic.twitter.com/NLSP83SOYK
— Digvijay (@Chillguy_028) March 2, 2025
KKR Quota Varun Got Mom pic.twitter.com/uXAZmUeBp4
— Rebellious Knight (@Rahul__74) March 2, 2025
” Harshit Doesn’t Deserve Chance Ahead Of Arshdeep”
” Why 4 Spinners, Just to fit in Varun Chakravarthy. “
” KKR Quota “
Gautam Gambhir Replies with : pic.twitter.com/dh439uI65M
— Kau5tubh30 (@Kaustubh001ac) March 2, 2025
Varun had entered India’s T20 side under similar circumstances back in 2021, but the tournament didn’t unfold as expected for him. Nonetheless, in his Champions Trophy debut against the Kiwis, the seasoned spinner demonstrated that he has left his past challenges behind.
However, none of this would have been feasible had head coach Gambhir not included him in India’s Champions Trophy squad following Jasprit Bumrah’s injury. Chakravarthy’s inclusion allowed India to take five spinners to Dubai for the Champions Trophy, a move that received criticism from several quarters.
Ultimately, Gambhir’s decision has now been proven correct.
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