Gautam Gambhir is a former Indian cricketer who made stellar contributions to the Indian cricket team during his playing career. He made his international debut for India in an ODI against Bangladesh in 2003.
He later made his Test debut against Australia in 2004. As an opening batsman, Gambhir was known for his compact technique and aggressive approach. He could anchor the innings as well as play attacking shots when required.
Gambhir played crucial innings in some of India’s most memorable victories. His 97 in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 final against Pakistan and his match-winning knocks in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final against Sri Lanka (97) and the 2007 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series against Australia were particularly noteworthy.
Gambhir had a successful stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a captain. He led the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, establishing himself as one of the most successful captains in the tournament.
Gautam Gambhir announced his retirement from all formats of cricket in December 2018. His retirement marked the end of a prolific international career that spanned over a decade.
Gambhir names the toughest bowler he has ever faced
Not long ago, one of his fans asked him the toughest bowler he has ever faced in his cricketing career. “Who has been the toughest bowler you’ve ever faced”. The question caught the attention of Gambhir as the latter replied, “One and only Muttiah Muralitharan”
Muttiah Muralitharan is widely regarded as one of the greatest spin bowlers in the history of the game. He was an off-spin bowler with a unique and unorthodox bowling action. His ability to generate sharp turn and bounce made him a formidable force in the bowling department.
He holds several cricketing records, with one of the most notable being the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. He claimed 800 wickets in 133 Test matches, surpassing the previous record held by Shane Warne.
Muralitharan played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s 1996 Cricket World Cup triumph. His performances throughout the tournament were instrumental in Sri Lanka securing their maiden World Cup title.