Don't let his diminutive, wiry physique lull you into underestimating him. Gautam Gambhir is as fiery and focused as the most dependable fighters. He bristles with aggression when provoked, but converts it into determination. He can adapt too, batting as aggressively as Virender Sehwag and as patiently as Rahul Dravid, according to his team's needs. He's an opener in every format by trade, but slips to No. 3 seamlessly when Sachin Tendulkar is in the one-day side. He took years to cement is place in the Indian team but now he is one of the first names on the team list.
Strengths
Loves using his feet against both pace and spin. Nimble and deft, Gambhir's one of the best players of slow bowling at the moment. He can score at more than a run a ball on a belter, as well as buckle down on a fast and bouncy, or slow and low, track.
Gambhir averages almost 50 in run-chases, but only 31 when batting first.
With Virender Sehwag, Gambhir has put together 1796 runs at an average of 48.54, and a run rate of 6.47 per over. In 38 innings they have put together four century stands.
In 68 matches since the beginning of 2008, Gambhir has averaged 46.26 at a strike rate of 92.04 in 68 ODIs. Seven of his nine ODI hundreds have come during this period.
All stats updated till before the start of the 2011 World Cup.
World Cup tracker
Gambhir made his one-day debut in April 2003 and hasn't played in a World Cup to date. He was dropped from the squad for the 2007 tournament in the West Indies, a setback that left him "not wanting to play anymore". He's an integral part of this team, though, and a durable component in a powerful batting line-up.
Expert view
"His recent form against New Zealand has taken his one-day ability to the next level. He will be a very precious member of this World Cup team" - Sanjay Manjrekar, commentator and former India batsman
George Binoy
