Heated moments involving Gautam Gambhir in IPL history

Gautam Gambhir is regarded as the best left-handed opener India has ever produced. Known for his flamboyant stroke-play and attacking nature, Gambhir is also known for his on-field scuffles with the opponents as well as his own teammates.

The 36-year-old has had a history of losing his cool and becoming a part of ugly verbal exchanges.

One of the best captains in the history of IPL, Gambhir has lead Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL trophies (2012 and 2014). However, things will be a bit different this time as he will be leading Delhi Daredevils, a franchise that he played for the first three seasons.

The left-hander has had a lot of history with the Australians when it comes to on-field confrontations.

It all started in 2008 Border-Gavaskar Test series when the batsman had fights with Shane Watson and Simon Katich.

Gambhir, who scored a double century nudged Watson with his elbow while completing a run. In the very game, he had an altercation with the bowler Katich, when the Australian halted him from taking a run from the bowler's end.

Things never improved ever since between Australians and Gambhir.

Let us look at the top three heated moments involving the dynamic left-handed batsman.

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#3 Verbal duel with Dan Christian - 2011 IPL

Another day another Australian, this time its Dan Christian.

Deccan Chargers were playing against Kolkata Knight Riders in Hyderabad. Put into bat first, opener Eoin Morgan was dismissed for 14 in the sixth over.

Gambhir who was batting one down began his innings with a boundary against Dan Christian on the first ball he faced.

On the second ball of the ninth over, he smashed Dan Christian for a six over the deep mid-wicket boundary.

Adding insult to injury, a catch was dropped on the very next ball behind the wicket by Kumara Sangakkara.

An annoyed Christian started sledging to which the batsman didn't hold back. Both the players were seen mouthing off at each other in an ugly manner.

During the timeout break, Umpire Rod Tucker took the task in his hands and warned both the players.

Thankfully neither of the players were given any punishments by the match referee. Kolkata Knight Riders went on to win the game comprehensively after they successfully defended 169 runs.

#2 Ugly Fight with Virat Kohli - 2013 IPL

Kohli and Gambhir have been playing together for a long time

Everything was rosy between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir until April 11 2013. Royal Challengers Bangalore hosted Kolkata Knight Riders at Chinnaswamy Stadium Bangalore.

Chasing a target of 155 in 20 overs RCB were going along in their merry way towards the target.

In the tenth over, Kohli sliced one in the air to the fielder at the cover region of the bowling of Lakshmipathy Balaji.

While walking back to the pavilion, Gambhir was seen running across Kohli mouthing against him.

A surprised Kohli walked towards Gambhir and a few seconds later both were seen charging towards each other in an aggressive manner.

Rajat Bhatia and other team members intervened and tried to calm both the players.

This was regarded as one of the ugliest fights in the history of Indian Premier League. However both the players resolved the issue in a matured manner and confessed that it was just in the heat of the game.

#1 Gambhir vs Dravid - IPL 2013

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"If you cannot get along with Dravid, you are struggling in Life", these are the famous words of Brett Lee when asked about Rahul Dravid.

On May 3 2013, Kolkata Knight Riders faced off with Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens. Kolkata were chasing a modest total of 133 and the duo of Manvinder Bisla and Gambhir were steering the ship for the Knight Riders.

Shane Watson was smashed for 10 runs in the fourth over, which didn't go well with the bowler.

In the next over, Watson was seen sledging Bisla to which Gambhir reacted and when Dravid intervened to diffuse the situation, both Gambhir and Bisla started verbal exchanges with Dravid.

Although Kolkata went on to win the match, there was heavy criticism on Gambhir for his on-field behavior in the social media. Fans bashed the KKR captain for his attitude against Dravid.

However, Gambhir later confessed that he did not disrespect Dravid during the incident.