Gautam Gambhir gets a 'precious' advice from Shah Rukh Khan on his retirement

Gambhir termed the decision to call it quits the most dreaded one of his career. He went on to thank all his fans, friends and family members for being his support system.

Veteran Indian opening batsman Gautam Gambhir hung up his boots on Tuesday after a 15-year long prolific career. He announced his retirement from all form of cricket through an emotional video where he spoke his heart out. Gambhir termed the decision to call it quits the most dreaded one of his career. He went on to thank all his fans, friends and family members for being his support system.

As soon as the retirement news broke out, social media got flooded with emotional messages. The Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner and Bollywood star, Shah Rukh Khan, took to his official Twitter account to thank Gambhir for gloriously leading his team. He also gave Gautam a precious advice that he ‘should smile a bit more’.

Here’s the tweet:

@GautamGambhir Thank u for the love & leadership my Captain.U r a special man and may Allah always keep & happy…& u should smile a bit more

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) December 4, 2018

Apart from Shah Rukh, a huge number of former and current cricketers conveyed their best wishes to the 2011 World Cup hero.

Here are the tweets:

Congratulations @GautamGambhir on a glorious career. You were a special talent and had a Gambhir role in our win in the World Cup finals. Batting with you at Napier was extra special. Enjoy your second innings with family and friends! pic.twitter.com/dNpyNfbLe6

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 5, 2018

Bidding farewell to one of the finest players of the country @GautamGambhir. Wish the best for you in the future Gauti Bhai 🙏 pic.twitter.com/qr14XVN3q7

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) December 5, 2018

Congratulations @GautamGambhir on a fantastic career. You can be very proud of the way you played every time you stepped on to the cricket field. I cherish the truly memorable moments we shared & am sure you will continue to serve the country in your own ways. #ThankYouGambhir

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 4, 2018

Congratulations on your fantastic journey @GautamGambhir . I’m extremely happy I had the privilege of sharing a bit of it with you 🏏 pic.twitter.com/DNxBSZ9daz

— DK (@DineshKarthik) December 5, 2018

Played with all heart with some amazing match winning knocks for the country and I’m sure your journey ahead will be even better. Happy retirement brother @GautamGambhir

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 4, 2018

242 matches, 10324 runs – wouldn’t have been possible without your hard work & persistence to the field. Thank you for your exemplary contribution to the field of cricket @GautamGambhir it was an honour to share the pitch with you. Wishing you all the success. #ThankYouGambhir https://t.co/RN2iAslO71

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) December 5, 2018

One of Indias best has bid farewell to the game, @GautamGambhir you have been inspirational to me and many others over the years and now I am sure is the beginning of even better things from you. #gautithefighter #GautamGambhirRetires

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) December 5, 2018

All the best for your future @GautamGambhir! Well done on a fantastic career! Proud of what you’ve contributed to Indian cricket. Best to family.

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) December 5, 2018

One of India's bests. Farewell @GautamGambhir. All the best for your future!

— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) December 5, 2018

Gauti I wish you all the best going forward brother..u have been a true champion and fighter for india 🇮🇳 lots of love pic.twitter.com/uTx0pgwKII

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 4, 2018

I have seen the 🔥 and passion up close way back in '03 in a game vs Leicester and it has been the same right throughout. A fantastic career and pleasant heroic 🏆 memories for people to cherish and talk about for years. All the best @GautamGambhir, you deserve an applause 👏 pic.twitter.com/j5768KgCEf

— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) December 5, 2018

I gotta say.. I don't like retirements.. especially of people that I admire deeply. Congratulations @GautamGambhir on an amazing career. I'm grateful for all that we shared on and off the field. It's been an honour skip. My best wishes on ur second innings.

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) December 4, 2018

After making his debut in 2004/05 season, Gambhir formed one of India's most stable and durable opening partnerships with Virender Sehwag, with the duo putting on an Indian-record 4412 runs in 87 innings together.

He played crucial roles in two of India’s World Cup triumphs. Gambhir scored 75 in the World T20 final against Pakistan and hammered a 97, coming into bat at No.3 in what is described as one of the greatest innings of ODI World Cup against Sri Lanka in the final of the 2011 edition.

He also played in 147 ODIs between 2003 and 2013, besides featuring in 37 T20 Internationals.