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Thursday, Dec 25, 2008
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The metamorphosis of Gambhir

The southpaw has complemented Sehwag to ensure solid starts

The dashing opener’s technique is now tempered with restraint, writes L. Sivaramakrishnan

— Photo: K.R. Deepak

CONTROLLED Aggression: The change in Gautam Gambhir’s temperament and approach to batting stood him and India in good stead.

The Indian dressing room must be happy with the way 2008 has turned out so far.

They finish almost at the top of the table in the Test rankings, four of their batsmen aggregated more than 1000 runs in the year, and finally it looks like they have found a balanced, winning combination.

The success of Gambhir has been one of the key factors that has helped India post big totals and chase bigger ones.

This is not to ignore Sehwag’s contribution which has been nothing but outstanding.

It has however been a pleasure to watch the emergence of a batsman like Gambhir and observe him mature as a cricketer.

He has complemented Sehwag perfectly and together they have managed to give India some solid starts.

Good partnerships

The fact that both openers have managed to cross personal milestones of more than 1000 runs this year should speak volumes about their partnerships.

This firm foundation has made it easier for the Indian middle order who have managed to capitalise on it.

Gambhir started off a couple of years ago as an aggressive batsman who believed that every ball is meant to be hit.

Now with the growing responsibility, his technique has not changed but is instead tempered with restraint.

While most of his earlier runs have come square off the wicket, on the off-side between extra cover and backward point, he has now adapted himself scores all around the wicket. The combination of aggression and defence has worked splendidly for him.

Changing gears

With Sehwag at one end playing his unique brand of cricket, Gambhir is willing to play the waiting game. If the situation should so demand, he is quick to take the attack to the bowler.

Even if Sehwag should get out early in the innings, Gambhir has shown that he is willing to shoulder the responsibility. With every good innings he has developed an air of quiet confidence.

What is all the more impressive is that Gambhir has managed to carve a name for himself despite established names in the team. He manages to establish a rapport with almost any batsman at the other end of the crease.

His understanding with Sehwag in particular is obvious having played with him at all levels from club cricket to IPL to the zonal level.

Holding his own

Gambhir’s elegant shots flow with ease from his bat as his dominance of the bowler is complete. His performance against some of best bowlers in the world today has been outstanding.

He holds his own and does not let the situation overwhelm him. This is a quality very important in an opener.

If Gambhir can continue to build on his success, India will see the emergence of one of the best opening pairs in a long time.

As the year draws to a close, the team has said some goodbyes, to heroes, who will not be forgotten easily and with the same breath they have managed to welcome into their fold new icons eager to take India that one elusive step forward.

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