"I've Always Got Your Back": Yuvraj Singh's Heartfelt Birthday Wish For Gautam Gambhir Wins Internet

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir turned 45 on Wednesday, with former teammates Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina extending birthday wishes to him. Gambhir will spend his 45th birthday on duty as he looks to guide India to victory against West Indies in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad later today. With India leading the five-match series 2-1, a win would seal the series for the hosts. Gambhir, who took charge as head coach of the Indian men's cricket team in July 2024, has guided the side to titles in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, the 2025 ACC Men's Asia Cup and the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Gambhir's former Team India teammate, Yuvraj Singh, wished him on his birthday, expressing his continued support and wishing him success.

In an Instagram post, Yuvraj said, "GG, you know I've always got your back and wish you only go from strength to strength! Happy birthday, brother. Always upwards, and keep making us proud! Lots of love."

Meanwhile, Suresh Raina also wished Gambhir on his birthday, calling him a "fighter on the field".

"Happy Birthday, Gauti bhai. A fighter on the field, a champion at heart, and a man who has always stood tall for Indian cricket. Wishing you good health, happiness, and many more milestones in your journey. Keep inspiring, keep leading," Raina wrote in a post on X.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla also extended his wishes to the Team India coach on his 45th birthday.

"Heartiest birthday wishes to @GautamGambhir. Your passion for cricket, competitive spirit and unwavering commitment to Indian cricket continue to inspire. May you be blessed with good health, happiness and continued success as you contribute to the growth and glory of Indian cricket. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead," he wrote.

During his playing days, Gambhir was known for delivering memorable performances, especially in challenging situations. One of India's most prolific opening batters, he partnered Virender Sehwag to trouble bowlers at the top of the order. From his international debut in 2003 until his retirement in 2016, Gambhir represented India in 58 Tests, scoring 4,154 runs at an average of 41.95, including nine centuries and 22 fifties in 104 innings, with a highest score of 206.

Once the No. 1-ranked Test batter in the world, Gambhir enjoyed a remarkable run during 2008-09. Across 13 Tests, he scored 1,861 runs at an average of 77.54 in 25 innings, registering seven centuries and seven fifties, which earned him the ICC Test Player of the Year award in 2009. His marathon 137 off 436 balls against New Zealand in Napier, which helped India save the Test and secure a 1-0 series victory, remains one of the finest innings played by an Indian batter in overseas conditions.

Gambhir was also at his peak during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, finishing as India's second-highest run-scorer and the tournament's sixth-highest overall, with 393 runs in nine innings at an average of 43.66. He scored four fifties, including a crucial 97 off 122 balls against Sri Lanka in the final, helping India chase down a target of 275 at a packed Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and end the country's 28-year wait for a World Cup title. His mud-stained jersey from that innings remains a symbol of his determination and never-say-die attitude.

With 932 runs in 37 T20Is at an average of 27.41 and a strike rate of over 119, along with seven fifties, Gambhir was among India's earliest T20 stars. He is best remembered for his match-winning 75 against Pakistan in the final of the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, which powered India to 157/5 and laid the foundation for a historic triumph.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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