- 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.