OneMin Cricket's video: The Unsung Hero of Indian cricket World Cup Dreams who delivered when it mattered the most

India won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and ODI World Cup in 2011. Gautam Gambhir was a part of the Indian team at a time when Indian cricket was brimming with legends. Each and every person in the team was a legend in his own right. This was probably the reason for Gambhir’s contributions to Indian cricket going unnoticed and under the radar. But Gambhir was not the type of cricketer that thirsted for attention. He went about his business in a silent manner. Gautam Gambhir’s knock proves to be the difference – India v Pakistan, T20 World Cup Final, 2007. Even as wickets kept tumbling at the other end, Gambhir kept chipping away with crucial boundaries. The likes of Robin Uthappa, Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni all scored at a strike rate of less than 100 before perishing. But Gambhir seemed to be playing on a different pitch as he hit 8 fours and 2 sixes in his 75 run knock. The knock ultimately proved to be the difference as Pakistan lost a thriller in the famous Joginder Sharma-bowled last over. Irfan Pathan was awarded the Man of the Match for his 3 wickets but Gambhir’s knock was the difference between the sides. Gautam Gambhir braves immense pressure to lead India to victory – India v Sri Lanka, ODI World Cup Final, 2011 Chasing, India lost both Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar cheaply to Lasith Malinga. There was an eerie silence around the Wankhede Stadium. India were reeling at 31-2 when Gambhir joined hands with Virat Kohli. Gambhir then produced a gem of an innings. One that is etched in Indian hearts forever. A fighting knock in adversity. After Kohli’s dismissal, Gambhir joined hands with MS Dhoni who had promoted himself up the order. The duo then punished the Sri Lanka bowlers through excellent stroke-play to lead India closer to the target. Gambhir then perished 3 runs short of a century but Dhoni finished the game off in style to win India the match and himself the ‘Man of the Match’.