Gautam Gambhir like his name is serious, gritty, positive and aggressive, but he certainly has been one of Indian cricket’s most loyal and effective servants. His opening partnerships with Virender Sehwag were instrumental in getting India to the top of ICC Test rankings. His played crucial innings in both 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup finals helping India secure the trophies. Though he seems out of favour with the selectors at present, he continues to strive even today to make a return.
Born on October 14, 1981, the opener celebrates his 36th birthday today. On his birthday, we bring you some little known facts about the stylish left hander:
- Gambhir is nationalist and a humanitarian- the cricketer is very vocal about issues related to national pride. He has also backed his words with action. He is paying for the education of the kids of CRPF jawans martyred in Chhattisgarh and Zohra, daughter of a J&K police ASI killed by terrorists. His GG foundation also does a lot of work for the welfare of people.
- Gambhir was adopted by his grandparents soon after he was born and has always lived with them. Eighteen days after Gautam was born, his mother was discharged from the hospital and on the way home, stopped by at his grandparents’ home to show off her newborn. His grandparents immediately took such a liking to him that they insisted he stay on.
- India has never lost a match under Gambhir's captaincy. He captained the Indian team in six ODIs from late-2010 to late-2011 with India winning all six matches.
- In 2009, Gambhir became the number one ranked batsman in ICC Test rankings. The same year, he was the recipient of the ICC Test Player of the Year award.
- Gambhir was bagged a whopping deal of 2.5 million dollar for KKR and became the most expensive player in the history of IPL. He has led the KKR to two title since.
