An ode to Gautam Gambhir: The fighter and the game changer

India v South Africa: Group B - 2011 ICC World Cup

Talent, class, temperament, ecstasy is possessed by all and sundry. However, there are very few who know how to come to the fore in times of turmoil. When the times are tough and the fortress gets breached - the brave rise and hold all ends together to see off the storm.

Gautam Gambhir - the 'angry' young man is one of the few who have the mettle to produce turnarounds at their own peril. It requires madness, it requires an attitude wherein one is ready to lose everything. It requires guts. It requires selflessness. Such has been this 'hero' of Indian cricket. Pressure flattens the 'tyres' of the best. There are few who get pumped up in pressure cooker situations.

Dominating the opposition in the world cup finals to see the team through twice is an act of courage and brevity. Gauti is an inspiration for people of all ages and walks of life. Welcoming challenges thrown with open arms and taming them with brutal ruthlessness to conquer them is an art mastered only by the legends.

Gambhir has been instrumental in taking Indian cricket to few notches above than it was at one point of time in every format. It is about who have created a base rather than who have created a tower on that base. Until and unless the base is strong, no point.

Be it dominating bowlers right from the word go or taking on the sledging bang on - Gambhir has been spot on. Gambhir took over the reigns of Kolkata Knight Riders and pulled them off to give them the coveted IPL trophy twice.

Gambhir's class acts are a treat for any captain/coach or management. Standing up to forward short leg to MS Dhoni who has slowed down on his singles was an act hard to be thought through and executed. Gambhir has mentored numerous cricketers in the KKR set up - the result of which is bearing fruits till date.

Very few in the world know that Gauti has a heart of gold. His philanthropic activities show the gentle and the human side of Gambhir.

There are lessons to be learnt from this soldier. To preach a few of them will make our world sane. Such has been the aura of Gautam Gambhir.

Gautam Gambhir has returned to Delhi Daredevils for the upcoming season of IPL and will now lead the franchise. Delhi have never won an IPL. They might though under Gambhir's tutelage.