Top 3 ODI knocks by Indian batsmen this decade

#2 Gautam Gambhir (97 vs Sri Lanka at Mumbai in 2011)

Gautam Gambhir

It was the World Cup final and chasing a total of 275 in Mumbai, India’s hopes rested on their middle-order after the early departure of Sachin and Sehwag. In demanding circumstances, India’s No.3 in the World Cup, Gautam Gambhir once again rose to the occasion as he held the innings together by stitching partnerships, first with Virat Kohli and then with MS Dhoni.

Gambhir fell three short of his century in the final, in what was truly a match-winning effort from the southpaw. However, his 97 was as crucial to lay the foundation of India’s second World Cup win. He might not have crossed the three-figure mark that day, but it was enough to be counted as one of the better ODI innings ever played in Indian cricket given the significance it held for Indian fans and followers across the globe.

On that day, Gambhir registered himself in India’s history books as a hero on one of the most special nights in a cricketer’s playing career.