Indian cricket team head coach and former BJP MP Gautam
Gambhir has received a death threat from a group identifying itself as ‘ISIS
Kashmir’, sparking serious concerns over his and his family's security.
The threat came via email on Tuesday, the same day a terror
attack in Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 people. According to Gambhir's
office, he received two threatening emails, one in the afternoon and
another in the evening, both carrying the same chilling message: “I Kill
You.”
🕵️♂️ Complaint Filed
With Delhi Police
On Wednesday, Gambhir formally approached the Delhi
Police, filing a complaint and requesting tight security arrangements
for himself and his family. The authorities have registered an FIR and are
investigating the source of the emails. Cybercrime units are also working to
trace the origin of the threat.
This is not the first time Gambhir has faced such
intimidation. In November 2021, while serving as an MP, he received a
similar email from the same group.
🏏 From Coach to Target:
Gambhir’s Recent Timeline
Gambhir, who was appointed India’s head coach in July
2024, has been largely out of the public eye recently, taking a break while
the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is ongoing. He had returned from a family
vacation in France earlier this month.
His coaching tenure began under pressure after a series of
losses against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. However, the tide turned when India won
the ICC Champions Trophy, defeating New Zealand in the final and securing
their second major ICC title within nine months.
🗣️ Strong Words Against
Terrorism
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Gambhir took to
social media to express grief and anger. “Praying for the families of the
deceased. Those responsible for this will pay. India will strike,” he
posted on X (formerly Twitter).
His vocal stance against terrorism and past political
background are believed to be potential reasons he was targeted.
⚠️ Security Heightened
As of now, security has been tightened around Gambhir’s
residence, and further protective measures are under review. The incident
has added to national tensions following the Pahalgam attack and has raised
alarms about the continued digital threats by extremist groups.