Gautam Gambhir: How many batsmen can whistle when Brett Lee is bowling at 140 kph-plus?

Could you recall your very first meeting with Virender Sehwag? Did he come across as 'hat ke' right away?
As much as he is dear to me, I can't recall my first meeting with Viru bhai. But what I do remember is that we always hit it off really well. He'd always pull my leg and I had no choice but to be friends with him to keep him quiet. And I didn't realise that we almost became brothers. I won't say he was 'hat ke', I'd say he was always honest and straightforward. Maybe that's what today's artificial world calls being 'hat ke'.

What the two of you have achieved together is phenomenal. Apart from your Delhi roots and camaraderie, what is it that has clicked for you as a pair?
I think the most important factor was that we understood our own and each other's games very well. I never tried to be like him as I knew I could never be like him. I mean how many batsmen can whistle when Brett Lee is bowling at 140 kph-plus? The other thing was we are different personalities who liked to feed off each other.

Could you recall your most memorable partnership with Sehwag?
I think there are plenty: CB Series, 2007 World Twenty20 and several Test matches. They're all a part of me and I can't single out any partnership.

As far as the approach to batting goes, you are different from each other. What did you learn from him and vice versa?
Well, I tried to make it as uncomplicated as possible. That's what I learnt from him. I also understood the importance of turning a good day ?into a great day. He always emphasised the importance of making big runs. And to answer the second part of the question: I don't think I can teach Viru bhai anything.

Please reveal that one incident or anecdote which elucidates the fact that there can never be another Virender Sehwag. We all know he's a gem, but you are surely much more fortunate than all of us because you have shared so many memories together...
Well, those are for my book (laughs). Don't worry I won't take them to my grave.

Lastly, what is the legacy that Sehwag leaves? And what about him will you, and the cricketing world, miss the most?
His simplicity, fearless batting and uncomplicated approach are his legacies. Plus, make no mistake: there can't be another Virender Sehwag.

N ZONE
4412
No. of runs the Sehwag-Gambhir combo scored, making it India's best opening partnership in Test history. It is only second best for India overall behind Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar (6840)