Gautam Gambhir: "Gary helped me be at ease with myself. I now take it as it comes. Gary has helped me understand my game a lot better" © Getty Images

Gautam Gambhir, the Indian opener who scored 1134 Test runs at 70.87 this year, has credited the team coach Gary Kirsten for his current form and rated 2008 as his "best year" in the game so far.

"I was too hard on myself," Gambhir was quoted as saying to PTI. "I wasn't too relaxed and it used to tie me up in knots on occasion. Gary helped me be at ease with myself. I now take it as it comes. Gary has helped me understand my game a lot better."

Gambhir, who made his Test debut in 2004, returned to the squad during Kirsten's second assignment with India - the tour of Sri Lanka. Three of his four Test hundreds were scored this year, as were six of his nine half-centuries. "Consistency will be my goal. It's not as if I have any specific target in mind. However, I am aware I need to keep working on my batting."

Gambhir said it was important to be confident while alternating between aggressive strokeplay and defence. I have played several big knocks in Ranji Trophy where I alternated between aggression and defence. When you are confident, you can switch your game according to the situation."