Gautam Gambhir announces retirement from cricket
In what comes as an unexpected move, India's veteran cricketer, Gautam Gambhir has announced retirement from all formats of cricket. The batsman took to Twitter to make this announcement. The most significant achievement of his career was winning the 2011 ICC World Cup at home. In his career with the Men In Blue, he played 58 Tests, 147 ODIs and 37 T20Is. Here's more.
One of the most difficult decisions of my life: Gautam
Gambhir was equally proficient in all formats of the game
While Gambhir slammed 11 centuries in the ODI format, he complimented it with nine Test tons as well. He was surely one of world cricket's most complete batsmen during his prime, who proved it in T20s as well, collecting two IPL victories with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012 and 2014 as the captain. He amassed 10,000+ international runs across all formats.
Gautam was the highest scorer for India in 2011 final
Gambhir was the pillar behind India's two world triumphs
Indian cricket went through a historical phase from 2007 to 2011, winning the World T20 and the 50-over World Cup. Interestingly, Gambhir was India's highest scorer in both the finals. His knock, in the 2011 World Cup final when India were reeling at 31/2, is fondly remembered by fans. Gambhir averaged an impressive 41.95 in Tests, 39.68 in ODIs and 27.41 in T20Is.
A look at Gambhir's Test career
Gambhir remains one of India's best openers in the 5-day format. Gambhir and his opening partner Virender Sehwag had a great run together, scoring 4,412 runs in 87 innings, averaging 52.52. His special knock came in the 2009 Test in Napier against New Zealand, where he single-handedly helped India secure a draw, staying at the crease for 643 minutes, scoring 137 off 436 balls.
Why the sudden decision to call it quits?
Gambhir always had an undying spirit which reflected in his eyes when the team was in dire straits. One can only assume that the decision came after a lot of contemplation. Gambhir must have realized that scripting an international comeback was becoming next to impossible. After enduring a poor IPL 12, he understood that his days at the highest level were nearing an end.
