‘Disgusting! Is Money So Important?’: Gambhir Blasts Sehwag, Gavaskar For Endorsing ‘Pan Masala’

Gautam Gambhir

Fame carries a lot of weight because it entails accountability. Athletes become famous when they reach a specific level in their sport by perseverance and breaking a few important records, which causes spectators to pay attention to that player and attentively follow all of his actions. Like in other sport, endorsement deals result from fame in cricket as well. While most items are voluntarily recommended by players, some are despised. Gautam Gambhir, a former cricketer for India, criticised Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, and Kapil Dev for supporting an Indian cigarette company.

Gautam Ghambhir responds to Gavaskar and Sehwag

Gambhir spoke about the issue during his recent interview with News18 where he was asked on his opinion on Indian cricketers endorsing ‘Pan Masala’. He summed up his reaction using two words – “disgusting and disappointing”.

The two-time World Cup winner explained that money cannot be that important that one starts endorsing such products given that millions of kids look up to them as role models. He further exemplified his point with a remark on Sachin Tendulkar, revealing that the legendary batter had shut an offer of INR 20 crore for a ‘Pan Masala’ ad.

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Gautam Gambhir responds

“It’s disgusting and disappointing. That is why I say, choose your role models carefully. One gets recognised not by their name, but by the work they do. Crores of kids are watching. Money is not that important that you will end of doing a Pan Masala ad. In 2018, when I had stepped down from Delhi Capitals captaincy, I had given up INR 3 crores. I could have taken it, but I left it because I always believe that I should get what I deserve. Sachin Tendulkar was offered 20-30 crores but said no to these pan masala ads. He had promised his father that he would never engage in such stuff, which is why he is a role model,” he said.

Kavya Bhatt