Gautam Gambhir hits back at critics on being questioned for his IPL involvement

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir doesn't mince words when it comes to expressing his opinion. The 40-year old is known for his blunt, honest comments, and he was on it once again when he was asked about his IPL and commentary stints.

Gambhir, who swapped his career for politics after taking retirement, continues to work in cricket as a commentator, analyst, or mentor in the Indian Premier League.

The cricketer-turned-politician is currently Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from the East Delhi constituency and has been working tirelessly for the welfare of the people. The former India cricketer has also installed a kitchen in Gandhi Nagar called 'Jan Rasoi', which offers an affordable meal for just Rs. 1. Not just this, he has also set up a library in the area. 

However, despite moving into politics, Gambhir hasn't stayed away from Cricket as he appears in different roles. He was recently seen donning the mentor for Lucknow Super Giants in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. 

During a media conference over BJP's eight years in power, Gambhir was asked about his constant involvement in the cash-rich league despite being an acting MP now. To this, the former India cricketer came up with a befitting reply and was heard saying "ho sake toh isko chaap dena" [Roughly translates to "if possible publish this"]. 

"Why I commentate in IPL or work in it is because I spend INR 25 lakh every month to feed 5000 people. This translates to roughly Rs. 2.75 crore per year. I've also spent INR 25 lakh to build a library," Gambhir said at the media conference.

"I spend all of this money from my own pocket and not from the MPLAD fund. The MPLAD fund doesn't run my kitchen or other things that I do. I don't have a tree in my house from which I can pluck money either."

Gambhir further added that he pays for all of it from his pocket, and he has no shame in accepting that he is associated with the cash-rich league to help others financially.

"Only because I work, am I able to feed those 5000 people or establish that library. I have no shame in saying that I do commentary and work in the IPL. All of this that I do has an ultimate goal," he added.

Taking to Twitter, Gambhir uploaded a video with a caption that reads: "If it is wrong to install free kitchens, libraries, smog towers for the public by earning honest money, then I will make this mistake again and again."