In his extensive international career, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has singled out Sri Lankan icon Muttiah Muralitharan as the most challenging bowler he encountered at the crease.
Making his debut for India in 2003, he went on to represent the nation in 58 Test matches, 147 ODIs, and 37 T20Is. Throughout his impressive career, he notched up 4154 runs in Tests with a solid average of 41.95, including nine centuries and 22 fifties. In ODIs, he showcased his skills by scoring 5238 runs at an average of 39.68 and an impressive strike rate of 85.25. Additionally, in T20Is, he contributed 932 runs with a notable strike rate of 119.02.
Gautam Gambhir played pivotal roles in two World Cup victories for India. He emerged as the top run-scorer for India in the finals of both the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 World Cup. Recognizing his outstanding performance, he was honored as the ICC Test Player of the Year in 2009. Throughout his illustrious career, he faced formidable bowlers including Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Shoaib Akhtar, Dale Steyn, James Anderson, and many other legendary names.
Gautam Gambhir demonstrated his prowess even against exceptional bowlers like Muttiah Muralitharan.
In a spirited Q&A session on Twitter last Friday, Gambhir spoke with his followers and answered a range of queries.
One fan asked him to name the toughest bowler he faced in international cricket. Gambhir replied: “One & only Muttiah Muralitharan”
Gautam Gambhir’s gesture of respect to Muttiah Muralitharan derives from their cricket confrontations, where Gambhir not only kept his own but also exhibited a combination of aggressiveness and prudence against the legendary Sri Lankan spinner. Gambhir’s skill is clear in the statistics, showcasing his ability to not just survive but even demolish Muralitharan.
In ODIs, Gambhir enjoyed an amazing average of 42 against Muralitharan, getting removed just once in 147 deliveries and scoring 128 runs. The Test venue witnessed Gambhir accumulating 137 runs against Muralitharan, facing 271 balls and maintaining a steady average of 34, with only four dismissals against the spin specialist.
Even in the T20 format, especially the IPL, Muralitharan failed to get the better of Gambhir in the 41 balls sent to him, giving 51 runs without a wicket. Clearly, Gambhir maintained the upper hand against the Sri Lankan veteran, demonstrating his talent and control against Muralitharan’s bowling.
