Gautam Gambhir Salman Ali Agha Suryakumar Yadav. Image Credits: X
Just after India’s one-sided win over Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi congratulated Team India and coach Gautam Gambhir on social media.
However, what made headlines was the response from Gambhir. The exchange went viral in no time, and the discussion moved from the match to social media.
Gautam Gambhir acknowledges fugitive Lalit Modi
Following India’s 61-run win over Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Lalit Modi took to X to congratulate the team and Gautam Gambhir for their performance.
He praised India’s dominance and lauded the head coach’s stewardship in the high-pressure clash.
However, in a shocking twist, Gautam Gambhir replied to this tweet from his official handle, saying, “Thanks a lot for your wishes!”
The short and polite reply was enough to ignite widespread discussion online. Many people were surprised to see Gautam Gambhir mention Modi in a public forum, especially since the businessman is quite controversial in India.
The reaction ranged from shock to amusement, but the exchange ensured that the story gained momentum beyond the sporting result.
Why is Lalit Modi considered a fugitive?
Lalit Modi, the founder and former commissioner of the IPL, has been staying outside India for more than a decade. He moved out of the country in 2010 due to charges of financial irregularities, misconduct, and violation of rules in connection with IPL events during his tenure as commissioner.
In 2013, the BCCI banned him for life after conducting an internal inquiry. Later, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) started investigations into charges of foreign exchange violations and money laundering.
Modi has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming he was targeted due to political rivalries. Even after staying away from Indian cricket administration, Modi is active on social media platforms and often expresses his views on cricket-related issues.
Pakistan face humiliation at Colombo
India produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 61 runs in Match 27 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
After being asked to bat, India posted 175/7, powered by a stunning 77 off 40 balls from Ishan Kishan. His attacking innings, containing 10 fours and three sixes, gave the team the much-needed boost despite the early loss of wickets.
Tilak Varma (25) and Suryakumar Yadav (32) steadied the innings, while Shivam Dube’s late cameo and Rinku Singh’s explosive finish pushed India to a competitive total.
In reply, Pakistan collapsed under scoreboard pressure and were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs. Early wickets by Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya made the job easier for them, while Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy strangled the life out of the Pakistani batting lineup in the middle overs. Usman Khan’s 44 was the only bright spot in the otherwise one-sided encounter.
