Top 3 innings by Gautam Gambhir which bailed India out of trouble

3. 97 (122) vs Sri Lanka, Wankhede - 2011

Gambhir's 97 helped India become world champions after 28 years.

Imagine the pressure of coming in to bat with the score reading 0/1 in 0.2 overs, chasing a target of 275 in a World Cup final. The pressure is bound to be an immense one.

Gambhir's character and toughness came to India's fore again in the final of ICC World Cup in 2011 when he came in to bat in one of the toughest situations one could imagine. He managed to dig a partnership along with Kohli and went on to score a match-winning 97 in Mumbai.

Along with the tough situation, he ably tackled the quality of the opposition attack comprising of Muralitharan, Malinga and Kulasekara.

The fact that he was dismissed attempting a big shot, despite nearing a milestone, highlighted the man's team spirit. Though he missed out on being awarded player of the match in the finals, his contribution in India's victory can never be undermined.

With curtains being drawn on his career, Gambhir can look back and be proud of his efforts. His contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, with timely and worthy performances whenever required.

A purists' delight, Gambhir will always be remembered as a stubborn cricketer - one who wore his heart on his sleeve, never gave up and stood for the team under trying circumstances.