Gautam Gambhir turns 38: Here are his top 5 ODI knocks for Team India

Gautam Gambhir, the iconic left-hander, has turned 38 today. Gambhir who has played 147 ODIs for India scored 5238 runs for the Men in Blue with an average of 39.7. His illustrious career had knocks like his 97 in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, which was instrumental in India winning the World Cup after 28 years. In this article, we take a look at Gambhir's Top 5 scores.

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Gautam Gambhir: 113 vs Australia, 2008 

This knock came in the memorable 2008 Commonwealth Series. Although Australia won the match, Gambhir's knock was critical in giving India a fighting chance while chasing Australia's 317. Gambhir's innings consisted of nine fours and a six. He faced 118 balls in his innings before knicking one to Adam Gilchrist.

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Gautam Gambhir: 126* vs New Zealand, 2010

Gautam Gambhir was captaining the Men in Blue as he won the toss and elected to field first. New Zealand could only post a total of 224 in their 50 overs as James Franklin spearheaded the New Zealand innings with his 72. India easily chased the total down with 10.3 overs to spare. Gambhir opened the innings and remained unbeaten at 126. He had hit sixteen fours. He was well supported by Virat Kohli on the other end as Kohli scored 63. This was Gambhir's second consecutive hundred in the series after the previous 138.

Gautam Gambhir: 138 vs New Zealand, 2010

Gambhir won the toss and chose to field at Jaipur. New Zealand opener Martin Guptill led the batting line-up with his 70 as New Zealand posted a total of 258 in their 50 overs. India chased the total down with seven overs remaining. Captain Gambhir held his end with an unbeaten 138. Gambhir's innings consisted of 18 fours.

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Gautam Gambhir: 150 vs Sri Lanka, 2009

MS Dhoni won the toss in this match at Colombo and India decided to bat first. Gautam Gambhir held his end as he opened the innings and scored 150 runs. This knock of his included 14 fours and one six. Dhoni, who came in at three, made 94 alongside Gambhir.

Gautam Gambhir: 150* vs Sri Lanka, 2009

Gambhir's best ODI knock came on Christmas Eve of 2009 as the Sri Lankan team visited Kolkata. Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and chose to bat first. Sri Lanka posted a competitive 315, led by Upul Tharanga's 118. India got off to a shaky start as captain Sehwag lost his wicket at 10 and Sachin Tendulkar got out at 8. Gambhir and a 21-year-old Virat Kohli saved Team India as the two shared a 224-run partnership. Gambhir made an unbeaten 150 with 14 fours in it and Kohli supported him with his debut ODI hundred in the form of 107. India won with 1.5 overs to go.

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