Happy Birthday Gautam Gambhir: Five best knocks of Gautam Gambhir for the Indian Cricket Team 

One of the most ferocious openers to have ennobled the Indian jersey, Gautam Gambhir remains unrivalled when it comes to grit, passion and devotion towards his country. His spirited attitude and insatiable appetite for runs made him a true legend of the game. The southpaw was the linchpin of the Indian opening order and played numerous match winning knocks. 

Gambhir, who currently is a Member of the Parliament had the honour to be a part of two World Series winning squads- the 2007 T20 World Series and the 2011 World Series

The stalwart also made his mark in the Indian T20 League, where he led Kolkata to title victories in 2012 and 2014. As the dynamic opener turns 41 today, here are some of his finest knocks during his illustrious career:

75 vs Pakistan (2007)

The 2007 T20 World Series victory was arguably one of the most historic moments in Indian Cricket. It was full of its share of iconic moments. One of them was Gambhir’s blazing knock against arch rivals Pakistan in the all important final. While wicket kept tumbling down at the other end, Gautam Gambhir stood tall and firm to propel India to a competitive total. His 54 ball 75 was studded with 8 fours and 2 sixes. 

206 vs Australia (2008)

Playing only the third game at his home ground in Delhi, Gamhir was in red hot form. He notched his career best 206 (test) against a mighty Australian bowling prowess. He alongside VVS (200) took India to a gigantic first innings total of 613. The game eventually ended in a draw. 

150* vs Sri Lanka (2009)

Kolkata’s Eden Garden has witnessed its portion of match winning knocks, but very few can come close to Gambhir’s unbeaten 150 run knock against Sri Lanka. India had to chase down 316 runs and the side were struggling after the early departure of both Virender Sehwag and Sachin. Gambhir then joined hands with Virat Kohli to stabilise the team. The duo put up 224 runs for the third wicket and guided Indian to an easy 7 wicket-win. 

167 vs New Zealand (2009)

In the third test against Kiwis, Gambhir helped team India to extend its 182 run lead over the hosts. He slammed 167 in the second innings of the contest to put his side in a commanding position. While NZ had a massive total of 617 in front of them, rain and Ross Taylor spoiled India’s party and the game ultimately ended in a draw. 

97 vs Sri Lanka (2011)

Gambhir always did exceptionally well under pressure and nowhere was more evident than the 2011 World Series. India were falling behind chasing 274 for victory. They lost the key wickets of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar very early in the innings. It was again the reliable duo of Gambhir-Kohli who pulled India out of trouble. Kohli’s cameo ended with a Tilakratne special. The southpaw however stood firm at one end. He then shared a formidable 109 run stand with the then skipper MS Dhoni before he was dismissed by Thisara Perera in the 42nd over of the run chase. Though he missed his personal milestone by a whisker, his knock was instrumental in leading India to its second World Series title.