Gautam Gambhir ignores 2007 and 2011 World Cup wins as he picks his favorite cricketing memory

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir recently revealed his favorite cricketing memory from his illustrious career. Gautam Gambhir overlooked his performances as well as victories in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup finals to name his Test match-saving knock during his first tour to New Zealand.

Gautam Gambhir played crucial roles in India’s triumphs at the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Gambhir was India’s leading run-scorer in both finals. He scored 75 runs off 54 balls against Pakistan in the 2007 final and 97 runs off 122 balls against Sri Lanka in the 2011 ODI World Cup final.

Favorite Cricketing Memory Is Not About World Cups – Gautam Gambhir

In a recent interview, Gautam Gambhir recalled his match-saving effort in a Test match against New Zealand by batting for two and a half days in Napier in 2009. Gambhir stated that he never imagined he could achieve this due to his impatience. He added that this memory holds a special place in his heart.

“My favorite cricketing memory is not about World Cups. Never thought that someone like me, who’s been so impatient and could play for two and a half days to save the Test match, I had to get out of that comfort zone because I had never imagined that. To save the Test match, I had to bat two and a half days,” Gambhir said.

“I’ve never batted two and a half days ever in my life from school cricket to any form of cricket. I don’t know how it happened because I got into that zone. I remember batting on day five with VVS Laxman, and the session was between Lunch and Tea.”

“We were back in the dressing room and he told me, ‘Do you realize one thing? You have not uttered one word for two hours.’ Actually, I didn’t realize it. He said, ‘You have not spoken a single word,’ and that is the kind of zone I was in. That is something that is the memory closest to my heart because, if given a chance, I don’t think I can do it again,” he added.

🎙️Question – What’s your favorite all time cricketing memory?

Gambhir : “My favorite cricketing memory is not about world cups. It’s the Napier test in New Zealand where I batted Two and a half days & we saved the test match. If given a chance, I don’t think I can do it again.” pic.twitter.com/KiqCl5qD8s

— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) June 20, 2024

Gautam Gambhir batted for 643 minutes and faced 436 deliveries to save the match for India in the second Test in New Zealand in 2009. Gambhir came into bat late on the third day and scored 137 runs before being dismissed on the fifth day. He rescued the team after the Kiwis enforced a follow-on in the match.

Gambhir added crucial partnerships with Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and VVS Laxman, guiding India to a draw in the match. The Delhi-born cricketer spent close to 11 hours at the crease in challenging conditions. Gambhir scored 445 runs in six innings as the visiting team secured a 1-0 victory in the three-match series.

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