5 reasons why Gautam Gambhir is an unsung hero of Indian cricket

Sep 21, 2016 at 10:10 AM

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5 reasons why Gautam Gambhir is an unsung hero of Indian cricket

The phase evolving from late 2007 onwards is seen as a turning point in Indian cricket history. The men in blue, who had crashed out of the ICC World Cup earlier in the year, found a profound momentum altogether after the triumph in the ICC World T20, under the ever compelling leadership of MS Dhoni. From that tournament onwards, India transformed into a limited overs powerhouse and the 2011 World Cup victory at home was just the peak.

A fascinating aspect about India’s impressive elevation is the role played by Gautam Gambhir. The outspoken Delhi opener was a massive pillar of strength for the Indians in this golden period, as he didn’t just amass runs gracefully, but also provided a new edge to the young Indian outfit. This span is also well noted for India’s ascendency to the top spot in the ICC test rankings.

Post the 2011 World Cup victory though, form and fitness eluded Gambhir as he often failed to make his starts count. With the emergence of the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma at the top of the order in ODI’s, Gambhir’s spot was all but gone. Nevertheless, the left hander remains an unsung hero for the Indian team, as his contributions have been vital to say the least. Below, we go through the five major reasons, which make Gambhir a true servant of Indian cricket.

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  1. 75 vs Pakistan in World T20 2007 final:

As mentioned earlier, the 2007 World T20 triumph pretty much resurrected Indian cricket. In that tournament, Gautam Gambhir emerged among the leading run getters as he consistently scored well for the Indians. The southpaw scored half centuries against New Zealand and England, but the best was saved for the last. In the all important final against Pakistan, India didn’t have Virender Sehwag at the top. Gambhir, being the senior opener, took full responsibility and played a knock worth applauding, on a considerably slow pitch, and against a quality opposition.

His knock of 75 off 54 powered India to 157, and that innings till date remains the most instrumental knock in Indian T20 history. Even though Gambhir didn’t win the Man of the Match award, the future consequences of his brilliance took India to unimaginable heights.

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  1. Match saving knock vs New Zealand (Napier 2009):

In the context of the situation, this episode may not hold a great magnitude, but the stellar innings played by Gautam Gambhir in this match provided a sense of positivity and optimism in the Indian ranks. After being asked to follow by the Blackcaps in Napier, India were well staring at an innings defeat as a first innings lead of 314 was conceded to the hosts. In order to save the side from serious humiliation, Gambhir, undoubtedly played a career defining knock. The opener lasted at the crease for a colossal 643 minutes, as his endeavour of 137, lasting 436 deliveries saved the game for India. More than the actual result, it was his attitude which mattered under the situation.

At the end of the third day, fans thought that the game would well be over by day 4, but Gambhir was rock solid and ensured that the game was saved. The knock proved out to be a series winning one, as due to saving the game, India maintained their eventual 1-0 lead. It is solely due to such resolute batting, that test cricket remains the ultimate pinnacle for any individual.

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  1. Role played during India’s stay at number one spot in tests:

India’s journey to becoming the number one test side commenced in mid 2008 with the tour of Sri Lanka. Though India lost the series 2-1, a new opening partner for Virender Sehwag was unearthed. It was none other than Gambhir, as the southpaw played some resilient knocks in tough circumstances. From that series onwards, there was no looking back as Gambhir began his dream run. On the way to becoming the number one side, India defeated Austalia, England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka and grabbed the number one spot. India remained at the top till August 2011 and in this particular phase, Gambhir amassed 2631 runs in 26 tests at an average of 57.19, with 8 centuries to his name. As a matter of fact, Gambhir was also the number one ranked test batsman in 2009 and was subsequently named the ICC Test Player of the year.

Reaching the number one rank in tests was a huge high for the Indians. Fair to say, Gambhir played a pivotal role behind that glory.

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  1. Provided a flexible option at the top in ODI’s:

After a stunning run in the ICC World T20, Gambhir was soon called up to the ODI side. In India’s first ever ODI series triumph in Australia since the 1985 World Series victory, Gambhir again played a pivotal rule. In the February- March 2008 CB series in Australia, Gambhir once again displayed his class as he scored two tons. With Sachin Tendulkar playing occasionally, Gambhir opened alongside Virender Sehwag and did wonders.

Once Tendulkar was in the side, Gambhir moved down to 3 and continued his phenomenal run. That is evident as his stats at number 3 are as impressive as his numbers at the top. A batting average of 42.09 at number 3 meant that he was very good in the middle overs against the spinners and ensured that the lower middle order had a solid foundation to explode from the word go. The opener time and again was successful in countering the opposing spinners, and setting a rock-solid base for the finishers to take over.

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  1. Knock in ICC World Cup 2011 final:

With Virender Sehwag back to the hut on the very second ball of the chase, and Sachin Tendulkar following soon in the 7th over, India’s dreams of lifting the World Cup at home could well have been shattered. But the ever supple Gambhir was stern in ensuring that history was created on the night of 2nd April 2011. Early in his innings, Gambhir ensured that he along with Virat Kohli, set up a steady foundation as they rotated the strike and punished the poor deliveries. Gambhir’s knock had a steady mix of defense and attack, as he ensured that the required run rate never got out of hand.

Once MS Dhoni walked in, Gambhir continued his vigil as he countered the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan and Suraj Randiv like a true artist. He fell short by an agonizing margin of 3 runs from his century, but Gambhir had done enough, to be remembered as the fulcrum behind India’s most important run chase in their cricket history.

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