Gautam Gambhir, in a chat show with R. Ashwin on a YouTube show, opened up with explosive allegations against the selectors during his age-group cricket career. 

The coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) revealed, “When I was growing up, maybe when I was 12 or 13 years old, I did not get selected when I tried out for my first under-14 tournament because I did not touch the selector's feet. From then I promised myself that I would never touch anyone's feet and I do not let anyone touch my feet.” 

Gambhir added that his affluent family background was also mentioned whenever he encountered failure.

“I remember, coming through my career every time I failed whether it be in the under-16, under-19, Ranji Trophy or even initially in my international career, people would say that you come from a (well-off) family, you don't need to play cricket. You have got so many (options), you can join your dad’s business,” he continued.

The former India international concluded stating, “So that was the biggest perception that was hanging on my head. People did not realize that I wanted it more than them. I wanted to beat that perception. So when I was able to do that, no other perception ever bothers me. The toughest perception for me to beat in my life was that I didn't want it that hard. I wanted it harder than any of them.”

Under Gambhir’s mentorship Kolkata Knight Riders finished on top of the standing in the league stage and will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first qualifier on Tuesday.