Gautam Gambhir      

At the end of what promises to be a successful career, the 2007-08 season could well be noted as the turning point in Gautam Gambhir's career. When changes were called for in the wake of a disastrous 2007 World Cup, Gambhir found himself back in favour in the shorter versions. The ICC World Twenty20 greatly enhanced his reputation on the global stage, as Gambhir notched up runs consistently, scoring three half-centuries, including a composed 75 in a high-pressure final against Pakistan. His ability to soak up pressure, run hard between the wickets, and mould his approach according to the team needs were further in evidence during the triangular CB Series in Australia, where he scored two high-quality centuries, showing along ...

At the end of what promises to be a successful career, the 2007-08 season could well be noted as the turning point in Gautam Gambhir's career. When changes were called for in the wake of a disastrous 2007 World Cup, Gambhir found himself back in favour in the shorter versions. The ICC World Twenty20 greatly enhanced his reputation on the global stage, as Gambhir notched up runs consistently, scoring three half-centuries, including a composed 75 in a high-pressure final against Pakistan. His ability to soak up pressure, run hard between the wickets, and mould his approach according to the team needs were further in evidence during the triangular CB Series in Australia, where he scored two high-quality centuries, showing along the way that he had worked on his flaws: the technique was noticeably tighter around off, and he was no longer such an obvious lbw candidate. He was also instrumental in guiding Delhi to their first Ranji Trophy title in 16 years, scoring a hundred in the final as captain, and was among the leading run-scorers in the IPL.

Gambhir's second coming at the international level has been a brilliant blessing for India. In his earlier avatar Gambhir was classified as a batsman who made the cut in the limited-overs format due to his ability to improvise, but one who lacked the technique to succeed in Test cricket. The year 2008 changed all that. Gambhir transformed his limited-overs success into cricket's traditional form, with Test runs in difficult circumstances against tough opponents both home and away.

Some of those runs were scored with India in a strong position and pressing for a win, while others came in backs-to-the-walls situations that required him to bat long periods. He managed both superbly. On India's successful tour of New Zealand in 2009 Gambhir removed some question marks over his temperament and batting outside the subcontinent. He scored a series-topping 445 runs on the tour and his contributions were massive - Gambhir set up a win in Hamilton, saved a match that looked lost in Napier, and batted New Zealand out in Wellington - the three main jobs an opener is expected to do. His feats since 2008 helped him bag the Arjuna Award.
Cricinto staff August 2009