Gautam Gambhir death threat: India head coach received two e-mails that said 'I Kill You' on the day of Pahalgam attack

In a chilling development that has sent shockwaves across the nation, Gautam Gambhir—former cricketer, ex-MP, and current head coach of the Indian cricket team—received a death threat from the terror outfit 'ISIS Kashmir'. This came on the same day as the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday.
Death Threat Details
According to news agency ANI, the Office of Gautam Gambhir confirmed that the threat was received via email. The content of the message was brief yet terrifying: “I Kill You.” Two such emails were sent to Gambhir—one in the afternoon and another in the evening. The threats prompted immediate action from Gambhir, who reached out to the Delhi Police on Wednesday. He filed a formal complaint and requested heightened security measures for his family.
This isn’t the first time Gambhir has been targeted. In November 2021, he had received a similar email threat while serving as a Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Background Context
The email threats came in the wake of a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack stirred nationwide grief and anger. Gambhir, like many public figures, voiced his outrage over the incident on social media platform X, saying, “Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this will pay. India will strike.”
Coaching Career So Far
Appointed in July 2024 as the head coach of Team India, replacing Rahul Dravid, Gambhir has faced ups and downs in his short tenure. Early setbacks included an ODI series loss in Sri Lanka and a 0-3 Test series defeat at home against New Zealand. Matters worsened when India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia 1-3, ending an eight-year hold on the prestigious title. Leaked dressing room discussions also added to the controversy, raising concerns about internal dynamics within the squad.
However, Gambhir turned the tide by leading India to an undefeated run in the Champions Trophy, culminating in a victory against New Zealand in the finals. It was a redeeming moment that silenced critics and established his leadership credentials.
Personal Life and Recent Activities
Just before the threats, Gambhir had returned from a family holiday in France. With the ongoing IPL 2025 season, he has been enjoying a period of relative quiet, as head coaches typically get time off during the tournament. Despite staying away from the limelight, the recent incident has thrust him back into national headlines.
Final Thoughts
Gautam Gambhir’s bravery both on and off the field has always been commendable. This recent threat only highlights the risk public figures take when they stand up for national interests and speak out against terror. As investigations continue, the nation stands united in support of Gambhir and the victims of the Pahalgam attack.