Sreesanth Alleges Gautam Gambhir Called Him 'Deshdrohi' During Heated On-Field Clash

Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth has revealed fresh details about his heated altercation with current India head coach Gautam Gambhir during a Legends League Cricket (LLC) match in December 2023, alleging that the former opener used abusive language and referred to him as both a "fixer" and a "Deshdrohi" during an on-field exchange.

Sreesanth recounted that the incident occurred after he bowled a bouncer to Gambhir. According to the former pacer, the confrontation escalated quickly following an initial exchange between the two former India teammates. Sreesanth claimed Gambhir responded aggressively after facing his bowling and made remarks that he considered deeply offensive.

Recounting the sequence of events, Sreesanth said Gambhir had first told him, "I own you," before allegedly using abusive language. He further claimed that Gambhir repeatedly referred to him as a "fixer" and later called him a "Deshdrohi." Sreesanth said he attempted to defuse the situation by asking Gambhir if he was alright, but the verbal confrontation continued. Gambhir has not publicly responded to these latest allegations.

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The two cricketers were key members of India's victorious squads at the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. While they shared several memorable moments during their international careers, their relationship has appeared strained in recent years, particularly following the widely publicised incident during the Legends League Cricket tournament.

The references to "fixer" stem from Sreesanth's involvement in the IPL spot-fixing controversy of 2013. The fast bowler was arrested and subsequently handed a life ban by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The punishment was later reduced to a seven-year suspension, allowing him to return to competitive cricket in 2020. Sreesanth has consistently maintained his innocence and has spoken publicly about the personal and professional challenges he faced during the period.

Gambhir, meanwhile, has transitioned into a high-profile coaching role and currently serves as head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. Under his tenure, India have enjoyed significant success, including triumphs at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The renewed controversy surrounding the former teammates has once again drawn attention to their strained relationship and the lingering tensions from their playing days.

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