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Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir heaped praise on the Delhi Premier League during the league’s final on Sunday (August 31), calling it a ‘fantastic platform’ that consistently uncovers the capital’s next generation of cricketers. As spectators cheered on emerging talent, Gambhir also reflected on his own most memorable innings at the very ground now known as the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Gautam Gambhir’s take on Delhi Premier League’s impact
Addressing broadcasters at the DPL finale, Gambhir remarked that Delhi’s rich cricket culture ensures “there will never be a shortage of talent in Delhi,” He lauded the Delhi & District Cricket Association for shaping the DPL into one of India’s premier domestic tournaments, saying, “I’ve been at home and haven’t watched a lot of cricket, but it’s a great platform for these boys to showcase their talent. They’ve done a great job of giving so many players the stage to shine,” Gambhir emphasized the tournament’s role not only in bolstering Delhi’s local competitions but also in feeding quality players into the national setup.
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Gautam Gambhir recalls a special knock on home turf
When asked about personal memories at the historic Delhi ground, Gambhir cited his highest Test score, an innings of two hundred runs against Australia in 2008, as his favourite.
Batting as an opener, he compiled 209 runs in India’s first innings after the hosts declared on 613 for seven. Australia had replied with 577, and India’s second innings yielded 208 for five declared, leaving the match drawn with Australia 31 without loss chasing a target of 245. Gambhir’s unbeaten double century at home, witnessed by family in the stands, remains etched in his mind as the left-handed opener added, “Obviously my highest test score is against Australia. I’ve got 200 on this on this ground. So obviously scoring a double hundred at home in front of your family members, it can’t get better than that,”
That Test also witnessed VVS Laxman named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 200 in the first innings and a swift 59 not out in the second. Gambhir’s recollection of that defining knock underlines why Delhi continues to be a crucible for cricketing excellence, both past and present.
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