Gautam Gambhir's a Hungry young man

World no 1 test batsman Gautam Gambhir's appetite for runs has his mentors amazed

Not many had given Gautam Gambhir a chance to be successful when he started his international career. The left-hand opener did not exactly exude confidence with his body language and technique, which led him to be in and out of the Indian team.
Hence, to become No 1 in the International Cricket Council's Test rankings is a remarkable achievement.

Gambhir is the first Indian batsman to hold the top position after Rahul Dravid.

Even as everyone wrote him off, his India 'A' coach, Sandeep Patil, was among the few who were convinced of his early potential. Coach Patil was a delighted man yesterday.

The way Gambhir got out in his early days, there was a question mark over his technique to survive in international cricket. Patil said: "What is technique? What counts is runs under pressure. More than technique you need to have the temperament and basic skills. The will to survive and will to fight. Gambhir is a fighter, whether he is playing for India, India A, Delhi or Daredevils. The best thing was he hated to get out. He always wanted to be the best," Patil, who handled Gambhir during his term with the India 'A' team from 2004 to 2006, told MiD DAY.

"His attitude impressed me the most. He has got a special kind of spirit; he is so hungry to do well, so hungry for runs. He has got fire in him. He can pick up a fight with even guys like McGrath or Warne. He was never in awe of any bowler," said Patil.

But the fiery temperament is a double-edged sword and the smarter opponents can work it out in their favour by making you lose your temper. Patil said Gambhir has learnt to control his aggression better and it has paid off.

"I used to call him Amitabh Bachchan, the angry young man. He is like a tubelight as he loses his cool very fast. Lately, I have observed he has developed patience too. Initially, he would get worked up and walk into the trap but today I see a different Gambhir.

"When you are at the crease you are alone and you have to fight your own battle. You have seen him take a panga with the Australians, with Afridi and performed. There are very few people who talk and perform and he is one of them," said Patil.

Former India opener and Gambhir's former Delhi coach Chetan Chauhan said: "What I like about him is that he is playing in all the three forms of the game and he adjusts his game according to the format. His success has been a result of continuous hardwork, learning, aggressiveness, guts, solid technique and right attitude. He takes his training very seriously and practices with focus as he would in the game."

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