5 special memories of Gautam Gambhir for every cricket fan

One of India's more popular cricketing stars has called it quits on his international career. In what came as a shocker to many fans, Gautam Gambhir, after serving the nation for about 15 years, has announced his retirement from all forms of the game.

Taking to social media to share the news, Gambhir posted a video announcing his retirement. "The most difficult decisions are often taken with the heaviest of hearts. And with one heavy heart, I’ve decided to make an announcement that I’ve dreaded all my life."

Gambhir, when in full flow, shone as one of India's most sublime batsmen. The left-handed opening batsman played a crucial role in helping India claim the top spot in Tests for the first time in 2009.

The 37-year-old, who last played for India in 2016, was also an integral part of the squads that lifted the World Cup titles in 2007 and 2011. In fact, on both the occasions, it was Gambhir who stood tall for India in the final and essayed some pivotal knocks that proved conclusive in the team's success.

Today, as the Delhi-born cricketer bids adieu to our favourite game, we take a look back at five of the most famous incidents involving him; incidents that have now turned into fond memories for every fan of Indian cricket.

#5 Giving away his MoM award to Virat Kohli

Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli batting together in an ODI for India

Gautam Gambhir comes across as someone who encourages new talents. Be it at the Indian camp or during his tenure for various franchises in the IPL, Gambhir has picked many refreshing talents at different stages.

One such famous instance that saw Gambhir encourage a new talent was when he gave away his Man of the Match award to a then budding Virat Kohli. The incident occurred in Kolkata back in 2009 when India locked horns with Sri Lanka in a bilateral series.

Chasing a daunting 316 for victory, Gambhir and Kohli joined hands to forge a match-winning partnership of 224 runs for the third wicket. While Kohli scored his maiden ODI century before getting out, Gambhir went on to carry his bat through the innings with a splendid 150* that won him the Man of the Match award.

However, being the sport he is, Gambhir decided to hand over his trophy to Virat Kohli, as a gesture of encouragement to his young teammate.

#4 Reaching the Test pinnacle in 2009

Gautam Gambhir was one of India's most consistent batsmen in Test cricket

As mentioned earlier, Gautam Gambhir, when at the peak of his powers, was one of India's most bankable players in Test cricket.

Debuting in the whites in 2004, Gauti, as he's popularly called, took rapid strides and within a span of a few years, made the Test opening slot his own.

The left-handed batsman hit a dream run from 2008-2010 and went on to score runs against different oppositions. Incidentally, it was during this period that India achieved the top rank in Tests for the first time.

2009 saw ICC crown Gambhir as the world's best batsman in Test cricket. With a career-best rating of 886 points, he occupied this top spot for a brief period, adding a beaming feather to his proud cap.

Gambhir played 58 Tests for India and scored 4154 runs at an average of 41.96. The cricketer's Test record is also studded with 9 centuries and a memorable double century, that came against Australia in 2008.

#3 A man of aggression

Throughout his career, Gambhir was involved in a number on on-field spats

A man who comes across as a humble and silent creature off the cricket field was generally all "switched-on" while playing the game.

And we are not just talking about battering the ball with his immaculate strokeplay. Gauti was quite a character on the field.

Running high on emotions and immensely passionate about each aspect of the game, the Indian cricketer found himself embroiled in multiple controversies and sledging incidents on the field.

Ask any cricket fan of his/her memory of Gambhir getting involved in an on-field feud and you would encounter different instances.

Be it confronting Andre Nel at the Wankhede, giving a mouthful to Shahid Afridi in Kanpur, elbowing Shane Watson in Delhi, or even getting involved with Virat Kohli at the Chinnaswamy stadium, there exist numerous occasions that reflect the Delhi-based cricketer's aggressive approach on the field.

#2 The final of the ICC WT20 in 2007

Pakistan v India - Twenty20 Championship Final

The inaugural edition of the ICC WT20 Championship is special for Indian cricket in many ways. As the tournament witnessed a young team emerge unexpectedly victorious, it also paved the way for a few cricketers, who later went on to acquire the superstar status.

One such cricketer, who was at the thick of things at this tournament in South Africa was India's Gautam Gambhir.

Playing in a relatively inexperienced side, Gambhir assumed the role of a responsible batsman at the top of the order and in collaboration with Virender Sehwag, smashed the opponents to misery.

With 227 runs in seven matches, the southpaw stood as the second highest run-getter in the tournament.

His most crucial knock, however, came against arch-rivals Pakistan in the grand finale. Batting first, India were without Sehwag and found themselves in trouble after losing Yusuf Pathan and Robin Uthappa in quick succession.

Much to the delight of fans, Gambhir, at the other end, was in total control and kept the scoreboard ticking for the Men in Blue.

It was not until the 18th over that the Pakistan bowlers were able to get past Gambhir, but not before he had scored a match-winning 75 off 54 balls.

#1 The final of the ICC World Cup in 2011

India v Sri Lanka - 2011 ICC World Cup Final

The high point of Gautam Gambhir's illustrious career came on 2 April 2011, when India took on Sri Lanka at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium in the final of the ICC World Cup.

Chasing 275 runs for a much-coveted victory, the Indian team had its back to the wall after losing Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar early on in the innings. As Virat Kohli came in to bat at No, 4, Gambhir took charge as the senior pro and ensured that the scoreboard kept ticking while no wickets fell.

As the innings unfolded, he once again turned out to be India's man for a crisis. The veteran cricketer played a matured knock and, along with MS Dhoni, buried the Sri Lankans and their hopes of winning the World Cup.

Gambhir went on to score an unforgettable 97 before falling agonisingly short of, what would have been, a justified century to his herculean effort.

The knock will certainly be etched in the hearts of all his fans and will be cherished in Indian cricketing history for a long time to come.