With over 10,000 runs in international cricket along with 20 centuries, Gambhir was a fantastic batter for India throughout all the formats
1. 206 vs Australia, Delhi, 2008
After losing Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid early, Gambhir would first form a brilliant partnership of 130 runs with Sachin Tendulkar. After the latter departed for 68, Gambhir formed an even bigger stand of 278 runs with VVS Laxman. The left-hander would go on to score his first and only double-century of his career to lead India to a mammoth total of 613/7 in the first innings.
2. 179 vs England, Mohali, 2008
As Sehwag lost his wicket for a duck, Gambhir and Dravid went on to form an incredible partnership of 314 runs which saw both the batters hit sensational hundreds. Gambhir tore apart the English bowling lineup in a knock which included 25 boundaries and a six. Thanks to this amazing stand, India would post a great first inning total of 453 before getting bundled out.
3. 167 vs New Zealand, Wellington, 2009
After taking a monumental lead of 182 runs, it was upto the Indian batters to do their job and set a big target for the Kiwis to achieve. Gambhir’s fine century led the visitors to a massive second inning total of 434 which set up a target of 617 for the hosts. Gambhir led from the front in a knock which included 16 boundaries and 2 sixes to guide India to the score.
4. 150* vs Sri Lanka, Kolkata, 2009
After Sri Lanka posted a huge total of 315/6 in 50 overs, the Indian batters knew that they had a daunting task in their hands. Losing Sehwag and Tendulkar mounted even more pressure, however an amazing 224-run partnership between Gambhir and a young Virat Kohli steered India through. Both batters went on to score centuries and Gambhir remained unbeaten, carrying the hosts to a famous 7-wicket victory.
5. 97 vs Sri Lanka, Mumbai, 2011
Though Gambhir has scored many bigger scores, this knock is the one which will forever be etched in the minds of Indian fans as it came in the 2011 ODI World Cup final. Chasing a big total of 275, it was Gambhir’s knock which got India into a strong position after they had lost both Sehwag and Tendulkar early in the innings. Though he missed out on a century, still his contribution in this final was immeasurable.
