Gautam Gambhir is an Indian Cricketer and former Team India opener. He is one of the best openers, India has ever produced. He was a left-handed batsman and has played several outstanding knocks for India. He played a crucial inning in 2007 T20 final and was India's unsung hero in the 2011 World Cup final.
Currently he is not on the national side owing to his fall in batting skills. However, he is a fighter and can return anyday. Below are five of his greatest innings, which have provided him with a legendary stature.
5. 150(137)* vs Sri Lanka- 4th ODI 2009-10
This was Gambhir’s 7th ODI century. Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first. They put a total of 315/6 in 50 overs. India had a poor start and lost both the openers (Sehwag and Tendulkar in just 23 runs). Gambhir was at number 3 spot. He scored a phenomenal 150 not out. He smashed 14 boundaries and put a brilliant partnership of 224 runs. In the end, India won the match with 7 wickets and with 11 balls to spare.
Gautam Gambhir was awarded the man of the match award. This was undoubtedly one of the best innings by an Indian batsmen at the number 3 position.
4. 102(101) vs Sri Lanka- 3rd ODI 2012
This is the last century of Gautam Gambhir in his career. India and Sri Lanka were playing against one another. Sri Lanka batted first and scored a total of 287/5. India started the chase with the loss of Sehwag’s wicket. However, Gambhir kept smashing the ball across the field. While wickets were falling at the other end, Gambhir kept his cool and hit 10 boundaries. He scored his 11th ODI century.
He got run out in the end, but India won the match handsomely. Suresh Raina won the man of the match award, and Gambhir again remained India’s unsung hero.
3. 206(380) vs Australia- 3rd Test 2008
India vs Australia is always a treat to watch. In this match, India batted first and Gambhir opened the innings for India. This is undoubtedly one of the best innings any opener has ever played. Gambhir played for 550 minutes and faced 380 deliveries. He scored 26 boundaries and one six. It was his first and only 200 so far in his career. It helped India to score a massive total of 613/7. Australia played well and put a total of 577.
Gambhir batted in the second innings and scored 36 runs. This was one of the best test performances of India against Australia. Gambhir was responsible for India’s outstanding performance throughout the match.
2. 75(54) vs Pakistan- 2007 T20 World Cup, Final
This was another classy innings from Gautam Gambhir. It was the final of the first ever ICC T20 tournament. Long-time Rivals, India and Pakistan were facing one another. India won the toss and opted to bat first. Gambhir opened the innings for India along with Yusuf Pathan.
Pathan got dismissed early and soon wicket kept falling for India at regular intervals. Gambhir on the other hand kept the scoreboard moving. He scored a brilliant 75 from 54 deliveries. He smashed 8 boundaries and 2 sixes. India made a total of 157. It gave the bowlers a chance to defend a sizeable total. India won the match and Gambhir remained the unsung hero.
1. 97(122) vs Sri Lanka- 2011 World Cup Final
Gautam Gambhir played the innings of his life in this match. It was after 8 long years, India reached the World Cup final. Sri Lanka was the opponent, India had to go through to win the match.
Sri Lanka batted first and scored 274 for loss of 6 wickets. Indian bowlers did a good job to restrict the mighty Sri Lankan batting line up. In reply, India lost Sehwag for a duck. Soon after, Tendulkar departed and so did Virat Kohli. Gambhir opened the Innings for India and kept his calm. He stirred the Innigs along with Dhoni at the other end. He scored 97 before getting out to Thisara Perera. Even though Dhoni got all credits, but it was Gambhir’s innings which helped India to reach the total.
