Gautam Gambhir Birthday Special: 7 Iconic Knocks Of India's Man Of Finals

Arguably Gambhir’s most iconic innings came during the most important time for Indian 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Chasing a tricky target of 275, India found themselves at 31/2, with both Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag back in the pavilion. Gambhir stood tall, anchoring the innings with a gritty 97 off 122 balls. His innings laid the foundation for India’s memorable victory, securing their second World Cup title.

In the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup final against arch-rivals Pakistan, Gambhir delivered another match-winning performance. His 75 off 54 balls provided the backbone of India’s innings, as they posted a competitive total of 157/5. His calm and composed approach helped India lift the first-ever T20 World Cup, cementing his reputation as a man of finals.

During India’s 2009 tour of New Zealand, Gambhir played one of his finest Test innings, scoring 137 runs in the second Test at Napier. He batted for over 10 hours, facing 436 balls, in a masterclass of concentration and patience. His heroic effort helped India salvage a draw from a challenging position, solidifying his status as a reliable batsman in all formats of the game.

In the 2012 Commonwealth Bank (CB) Series against Australia, Gambhir played an outstanding knock of 92 off 111 balls at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Chasing 269, Gambhir’s steady innings guided India to a comfortable win. His calm demeanor in pressure situations once again showcased his value as a top-order batsman in crucial matches.

Gambhir’s double century against Australia in the 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains one of his most celebrated Test knocks. In the third Test at Delhi, Gambhir scored a remarkable 206, grinding down the Australian bowling attack over two days. His innings was a perfect blend of aggression and defense, as India took a commanding position in the match.

Gautam Gambhir’s 179 against England in the second Test at Mohali in 2009 was another classic display of his endurance and skill. His innings came at a time when India needed stability, and he provided just that with a near-double century. His ability to grind out long innings in Test cricket was one of his defining traits.

In another standout performance, Gambhir’s 150 against Sri Lanka in Colombo during the 2009 ODI series was a magnificent display of batting. His aggressive yet controlled knock set the tone for India’s commanding total, and his ability to pace the innings showcased his versatility across formats.