Gautam Gambhir, who turned 35 today, is unarguably one of the finest Indian players to emerge in this century, across formats. Playing a key role in India winning its two World Cups under MS Dhoni, and his ascension to the top of the ICC Test rankings, Gambhir held his own in India's star-studded batting lineup.
After making multiple comebacks in the Indian team, it was the final against 2007 that cemented the Delhi's batsman's place in the side. The Pakistan bowlers were getting nip and movement from the Johannesburg surface and Gambhir's gritty 75 proved to crucial in India setting a fighting total of 157. The knock would turn out to be a match-winning one.
India's pursuit for a world class opening partner to partner Virender Sehwag finally drew to a close with Gambhir's rapid rise. The southpaw adjusted to his role quickly and the level of adaptability was admirable; he had several dimensions to his game.
A case in point would be the manner in which he decided to grind out the New Zealand attack at Napier in 2009 after India was asked to follow-on. While there were several contributors in the batting order as India saved the Test, Gambhir's marathon 643 minute knock, where he scored 137 runs came for widespread praise for the extreme concentration levels and mental fortitude he displayed.
Around the same time, he even bagged the International Cricket Council Test Player of the Year award, after scoring his first double hundred, which came against Australia.
Had it not been for captain Dhoni's knock of 91 in the 2011 World Cup final, the game would have belonged to Gambhir. India were in trouble at 31/2, and it was Gambhir's assured, busy knock of 97 that set the tone for his side's win on home soil.
