Blogs Gambhir Ready for Oz Challenge
September 28th, 2008 by kapoorGautam Gambhir has emerged as one of the most seriously improved Indian batsman over the last two years. Gone are the days when he would approach the crease only to make a quick-fire 20 or 30 and then get out to a ball that many believe he should have dispatched to the boundary. As the Indians prepare themselves to battle it out with the Aussies, one batsman who holds the key at the very top of the Indian innings is Gambhir himself.
He has the advantage of having played against the Aussies before, both in the T20 and the Test format and has scored freely against their top bowlers. Along with the diminutive Virender Sehewag, he forms one of the most explosive opening partnerships India has ever witnessed. However, he is still very humble as a person and has outrightly dismissed any suggestions that it is India who have the edge over Australia in the forthcoming Test series.
Most experts believe that the key to success for Gambhir lies in controlling his aggression. Although an important part of his armour, he is guilty of going on the offensive sometimes too soon for his and the team’s comfort. He would be looking forward to the opportunity of feasting upon the Australian attack which is devoid of the likes of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie.
In the just-concluded test series against the emerald islanders, Sri Lanka, Gambhir was one of the very few Indian batsman who came back with some credibility in their batting powerless. He was more successful than the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and even Rahul Dravid. The Delhi opener scored 310 runs at an average of nearly 51.66 in the Test series which India lost 2-1 to Sri Lanka or one could say to the deadly ‘Mendis’.
Gambhir’s success hasn’t come about as a surprise for those who have been following his career. He has plundered away runs in the domestic circuit. He had failed to capitalise on the opportunity that was presented to him a few years back. The new-look Gambhir is more self-assured and seems to know his game much better. His footwork on the frontfoot against the swing bowlers and on the backfoot, while pulling the ball has improved remarkably.
