5 of Gambhir's most significant contributions in India's cricket history

137 vs New Zealand at Napier, 2nd Test played between 26-30 March 2009

Gambhir's 137 and 167 in consecutive Tests helped India win their first series in New Zealand after 41 years

After 102 runs in a ten-wicket win in the first Test at Seddon Park, Gambhir was up against a real challenge in the second Test at Napier. New Zealand declared after scoring 619 in the first innings and bowled India out for 305 - asking them to follow on.

India got off to a bad start in the second innings as well, losing the early wicket of Sehwag. But Gambhir drew courage from his new partner Rahul Dravid and found the focus to bat for long.

Gambhir registered solid partnerships - first with Dravid and then with Tendulkar. Gambhir had come out to bat on the final session of day 3 and played till the final session of the last day of the match.

Gambhir finally got out on 137 after playing 436 balls and after batting for almost 11 hours. VVS Laxman's strokeful unbeaten century and Yuvraj Singh's fifty ensured India lost only four wickets in their 180 overs at the crease.

India drew the match and followed it with another draw in the third Test at Wellington. Gambhir scored 167 in the second innings there too, ensuring India's first Test series win in New Zealand after 41 years.

Gambhir was the tournament's highest run-getter with 445 runs in just 3 Tests at an average of 89.