Gautam Gambhir, one of India's best Test openers and hero of 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup finals, announced his retirement from cricket on Tuesday. Gambhir will known for his intensity, focus and die-hard attitude on the field.
The left-hander was a crucial part of Team India during one of most successful times. He had knack for playing timely match-winning knocks. He was also known for his never-back-down approach on the field (Shahid Afridi will attest to that).
Gambhir, like his name, was an intense personality on the field. One of his most remembered moments was his spat with Virat Kohli in the IPL.
However, apart this rivalry, Gambhir will also be remembered for instance when he encouraged a very young Virat Kohli with a warm gesture.
Gambhir handed his Man of the Match trophy to the then budding cricketer Kohli after India's victory against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on December 24, 2009, .
Gambhir and Kohli had batted India out of trouble in the match after losing the wickets of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. Gambhir and Kohli added 224 runs for the third wicket as Kohli scored 107 runs getting his maiden ODI ton. Gambhir hit 150 not out as India chased down the target of 316 runs in 48.1 overs.
Gambhir was declared Man of the Match for his innings. However, during the post-match presentation, Gautam Gambhir did not accept the award and handed it to Kohli for scoring his maiden ton. It was Gambhir's way showing his encouragement and appreciation to the young cricketer.
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“The way Virat batted took a lot of pressure off my shoulders..," Gambhir told Ravi Shastri during the post-match presentation.
