Sportskeeda's Top 50 Indian Test cricketers of all-time (30-21)

#29 Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir was among the key reasons for India's ascent to the number one ranking in 2009

On either side of fluctuating troughs, Gautam Gambhir established himself as one of the most reliable top-order batsmen across all three formats of the game between 2008 and 2011. His versatile skills helped him form a formidable opening combination with the dashing Virender Sehwag. Even though he had the ability to match his Delhi team mate stroke for stroke, the left-hander fashioned a mode of batting in his own image and developed the reputation of being a gritty customer in the Test arena.

Extra Cover: 5 best Test knocks by Gautam Gambhir

It was no coincidence that Gambhir walked away with the ICC Test Player of the Year award when India surged to the top of the Test rankings in 2009. In a batting lineup filled with plenty of accomplished stalwarts, he consistently stood out with his remarkable prowess against the turning ball. From the marathon 436-ball 137 which helped his country seal a series win in New Zealand to the fluent 138-ball 104 against Australia on a rapidly deteriorating surface in Mohali, Gambhir's finest encompassed a broad range.

Career Span: 2004-present

Statistics: 4154 runs from 58 matches at an average of 41.95 with 9 centuries and 22 fifties