5 best Test knocks by Gautam Gambhir

#3 167 vs New Zealand at Wellington, 2009

Gambhir was at his best when India toured New Zealand in 2009

Gautam Gambhir was at the peak of his powers between the years 2008 and 2009, a period during which he accumulated close to 2000 runs and boasted of a 50-plus Test average. One of the highlights of this purple patch in Gambhir’s career was his performance during India’s tour to New Zealand in early 2009.

In the final Test of a 3-match series against the hosts at Wellington, the Indians were calling the shots after picking up a first-innings lead of 182 runs. However, they needed a solid effort with the bat in the second essay, too, in order to apply more pressure on the hosts.

The southpaw from Delhi took responsibility and led from the front with an emphatic 167 off 257 balls as the visitors gave New Zealand a mammoth 617 to chase. India were on the verge of pulling off a memorable win but rain thwarted their plans and they had to settle for a draw.

Gambhir received the ‘Man of the Match’ award for his supreme effort with the bat.