India’s top-scorer in the finals of the 2007 World T20 and the 2011 World Cup – that the Men in Blue went on to win – Gautam Gambhir fittingly signed-off on his illustrious career with a century. The 37-year-old opening batsman scored the 43rd and final first-class century of his career during Delhi’s group B encounter against Andhra in the Ranji Trophy.
The match ended in a draw after four days but every other detail was of little consequence because of one man playing his last game.
The entire focus was on Gambhir, who made it memorable for the 500-odd spectators who were present at the Feroz Shah Kotla to cheer every run that he scored.
A streaky boundary through the slips took him to 98 and then he square drove pacer Bandaru Ayappa to scamper home for a double to complete one of his more emotionally exhausting hundreds.
Right from the opening day of the match on 6 December, several fans came out to watch the opening batsman’s final match.
As he scored his final hundred, the former India opener was muted in his celebrations as he didn't even bother to open his helmet, but the 100-odd youngsters sporting "Miss you Gauti' T-shirts were overwhelmed with emotion.
Gambhir added 113 runs for the second wicket with skipper Dhruv Shorey (98) before India A keeper Kona Bharat finally held onto an edge with off-spinner Shoaib Mohammed Khan being the bowler.
It wasn't a smooth innings but no one cared for the details as he got a generous applause after reaching the mark in 185 balls.
The Delhi players gave a him a 'Guard of Honour', the spectators gave a standing ovation and the entire Andhra team came up to congratulate him.
He strode back to pavilion in a matter of fact manner as the interest in the day's proceedings suddenly waned.
Besides the spectators present, three other very special people were present at Gambhir homeground during his final match – his wife, and two daughters.
After Delhi and Andhra played out a draw at the Feroz Shah Kotle, Gambhir was felicitated by DDCA members including president and journalist Rajat Sharma.
And before he left the Feroz Shah Kotla ground, Gambhir greeted the fans who had been waiting in the stands, along with his daughter.
(With inputs from PTI.)
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