Picture Credit: X
Gautam Gambhir is a former Indian cricketer and the current head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. The opening batter is celebrating his 43rd birthday on October 14, 2024. Gambhir was one of the main batters for India from 2007 to 2011 , and played a crucial part in India’s triumph in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. He was a top scorer for India in the finals of both the tournaments, and was known to be a big match players for India.
Apart from his batting, Gautam Gambhir also excelled in captaincy, leading Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to two titles in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2012 and 2014 respectively. After his career as a player, Gambhir took over mentorship and coaching roles. In his mentorship, KKR won their third IPL title in 2024. After that, Gambhir took over as head coach of the Indian cricket team. Let’s have a look at top five knocks of Gautam Gambhir in his cricketing career.
Gautam Gambhir's top five career knocks
5. 137 against New Zealand in Napier Test, 2009
Gautam Gambhir came up with a century as India saved a Test match against New Zealand despite getting a follow-on in Napier in March 2009. After posting a mammoth 619/9 , New Zealand bowled India out for 305 runs, taking a lead of 314 runs in the first innings. Coming to bat in the second innings, Gautam Gambhir scored 137(436) runs along with VVS Laxman’s 124*(212) runs as India finished on 476/4 in the second innings, to help the team end the Test in a draw.
4. 206 against Australia in Delhi Test, 2008
Gautam Gambhir scored his only double hundred in Tests in a match against Australia in October - November 2008. Batting first, India posted a mammoth 613/7 in the first innings with Gambhir top scoring with 206(380) runs, along with VVS Laxman’s 200*(301) runs. However, this Test match ended in a draw.
3. 150* against Sri Lanka in Kolkata ODI, 2009
Gautam Gambhir played one of his best ODI knock in a match against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on December 24, 2009. Chasing a target of 316 runs, Gambhir scored 150*(137) runs along with a 224-run partnership with Young Virat Kohli (107 off 114) as India won the match by 7 wickets.
2. 75 against Pakistan in T20 World Cup final, 2007
Gautam Gambhir stood up on the biggest occasions for India during the final of the 2007 T20 World Cup against Pakistan in Johannesburg. Batting first, Gambhir top scored with 75(54) runs as India posted a total of 157/5 and went on to win the match by five runs to lift the inaugural T20 World Cup title.
1. 97 against Sri Lanka in ODI World Cup, 2011
Gautam Gambhir played another crucial knock which helped India to lift the ODI World Cup title after 28 years. During the final against Sri Lanka in Mumbai on April 2, 2011, Gambhir took charge when India lost two wickets for 31 runs while chasing a massive total. The left-hander scored 97(122) as India were able to overcome a tough start, and went on to win the final to lift the ODI World Cup after 1983's triumph.
