Gautam Gambhir retires: 4 best innings played by him across formats 

# 137 vs New Zealand, Napier (2009)

Splendid knocks from Laxman and Gambhir helped India pull an unlikely draw.

An in-form Indian team was visiting New Zealand with the hope of ending the team's 41-year winning drought in the Kiwi island. Sachin's masterclass and pacer's power-packed performance helped India cruise to victory in the first, The action then shifted to Napier.

Ryder's double century and quick centuries from Taylor and McCullum powered New Zealand to a mammoth total of 619. Indian team in response struggled hard and were wrapped up cheaply by the Kiwi bowlers as they garnered a healthy lead of 314. With more than 180 overs to play, the hosts imposed follow-on on the visitors.

Chances of pulling a draw looked very bleak, leave alone winning it. Gambhir, being a big game player came up with an absolute gem of a knock battling against the strong New Zealand bowling attack, standing firm and defending solidly, everything that was thrown at him. He batted for a whopping 643 minutes, anchoring the Indian innings and holding the grip of the game tightly from an end.

Gambhir carried his bat on the 4th day and got dismissed in the penultimate session on day 5. He was involved in important partnerships with Dravid, Sachin and Laxman, and helped India draw the game. Gautam batted for a total of 436 deliveries scoring 137, an innings that helped Team India assure a draw.

Gambhir delivered another solid performance in the next game, which helped India to draw the game and led India to a series victory.