Kolkata: India, over the years has chased down many 300 plus targets in the 50-over format. But probably, one of the initial mammoth run chases would be the match against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens on this day, in 2009. And who else than one half of the match winners Gautam Gambhir, reminiscing of the chase.
Gambhir on Twitter looks back in time and describes the run chase in a video that will make us nostalgic. Batting first, Sri Lanka piled up 315 for 6 in the stipulated 50 overs, thanks to Upal Tharanga’s 115 and skipper K Sangakkara chipping in with 60. India was left with 316 to win.
It was a chilly winter day at the Eden Gardens as Gambhir would describe and India was jolted with the dismissals of skipper Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. Virat Kohl joined Gambhir and built the innings ‘stitching a valuable partnership of 224 runs.’ Gambhir remained not out on 150 off 137 balls, notching up his 7th ODI hundred and his highest ODI score. Kohli on the other hand scored a brilliant 107 off 114 deliveries. India eventually reached the target in the 49th over with 7 wickets in hand.
Time flies! While Gambhir finds himself out of the reckonings at the international level, Kohli has risen in the ranks to be arguably the best batsman in the world at this point of time. Well, Kohli and Gambhir are reportedly not the best of friends, despite displaying strong bonhomie in public. Gambhir was recalled into the Indian Test side, led by Kohli, against New Zealand and England, before being dropped. But December 24, every year will bring back fond memories for both of them, when they steered India to an almost impossible victory against the Lankans at the Eden Gardens. What a partnership and what an understanding between the Delhi guys that was a treat for the spectators, yours truly being one of them.
7 years ago, we embarked on another of our famous wins. A special memory for me – my highest ODI score. pic.twitter.com/aNadjTjz92
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) December 24, 2016