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‘It is over, Gauti,’ declares Gambhir as he announces retirement

Former India opener will make one final appearance in the coming Ranji Trophy before stepping down from all forms

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Gautam Gambhir
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Gautam Gambhir may not be remembered for his compact technique or flawless strokes or even for his temperament. The former India opener will certainly be remembered for his grit.

It was his grit that made him one of the most successful batsmen of his times despite the 'flaws' in his technique. That's how Gambhir was known inside his home state Delhi's dressing room.

On Tuesday when he finally called it quits from all forms of cricket, it was Gambhir's grit and determination to not play the game without 100 per cent fitness that helped him to reach the hardest decision of his life. He will make one final apparance in the Ranji Trophy tie against Andhra at the Kotla from December 6.

Though the left-handed batsman has not played for India since the first Test of the home series against England in 2016-17 season, it was his shoulder injury of late while playing the ongoing Ranji Trophy season that proved instrumental in his calling quits.

The Delhiite will be remembered for his crucial knocks in both the 2007 ICC World T20 in South Africa and the 2011 ICC World Cup at home, top-scoring in both the finals in India's triumphant campaigns.

He was apparently contemplating retirement for the last fortnight or so ever since he was released by his Indian Premier League side Delhi Daredevils for the 2019 season. And when he had to sit out of the next Delhi's Ranji Trophy games due to a shoulder injury, he knew the time has come to call it a day.

"This may sound a little wishful but I've seen wishes come true. Two World Cups, highest run-getter in the final of both of these games is the stuff dreams are made of," was how 37-year-old southpaw recorded his soundbites to be released for press and public.

"Somewhere on the top is being the No. 1 Test team in the world. A trophy, I'll look at very fondly, is the one I got for being awarded the ICC best Test batsman of the year in 2009. For a purist like me, it is a reward for somewhat knowing where my off-stump was. The historic series win in NZ and the CB series in Australia will be reflected upon fondly. But I hope the current Indian team Down Under can overshadow our feats," Gambhir reflected on his career which began in 1999-2000 and lasted almost two decades.

Gambhir also shared how the decision to call it quits was brought about by "negative noises" that he eventually couldn't fight off.

"Grounds, dressing rooms, wash rooms, you name it, the thought has rarely deserted me. Each time I got out playing for India or KKR or Delhi Daredevils this thought would turn into a sharp, disturbing noise and walk with me all the way to the dressing room shouting: 'It is over Gauti'," Gambhir revealed.

"It slapped me hard when I got those three ducks in a row in 2014 IPL. Then again when I had a dreadful tour to England the same year. In 2016 I was on my knees again. I was dropped after Rajkot Test match against England. I was searching for my confidence in that deep, dark pit but I could only lay my hands on the same sharp, disturbing noise. It said the same: 'It is over Gauti'."

He formed one of India's most stable and durable opening partnerships with Virender Sehwag between 2004 to 2012, putting on an Indian-record 4412 runs in 87 innings together. Gambhir was adjudged the ICC Test Player of the Year in 2009.

Politics next for Gambhir?

People close to Gambhir may deny that he was not going to enter politics. But those who have been following his social media messages and thoughts can well chose to look the other way.

In Delhi's BJP circles, Gambhir is seen as a big bet for the coming Lok Sabha elections from New Delhi constituency. That may not be the immediate plan for him, but his entry into Delhi & District Cricket Association as nominated director of government along with his stint as Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC) member has already put him into public domain.

At a time when Delhi cricket has been going through transitional phase, Gambhir and his most successful opening partner Virender Sehwag have taken a fresh guard on their home pitch. Will they make a big difference, as they did for Team India, is anybody's guess!

GLITTERING CAREER

Full name: Gautam Gambhir

Age: 37 years 51 days

Major teams: India, Delhi, Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, Essex

  • Made his Test debut against Australia in Mumbai 2004
     
  • Played his last Test against England in Rajkot in 2016
     
  • Made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2003
     
  • Played his last ODI against England in Dharamsala in 2013
     
  • Was named the ICC Test Player of the Year 2009
     
  • Scored a match-winning 97 in 2011 World Cup final
     
  • Led Kolkata Knight Riders to two Indian Premier League titles
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