Great knocks don't need comparions. They need to be thought of as psychological case studies, where even amid extremity of pressure or being of the backfoot, scorecard wise, does not dissuade the one confronting
them. It is these paticularly sad moments of personal and team challenge that happen, only to test the strongest among us. Back in 2011, in the mega Wankhede Stadium-held high octane ICC Men's Cricket World Cup (CWC) final, India came on top with Sri Lanka ultimately conquered. While many regarded the then captain MS Dhoni's 91, a great and timely knock, the foundation for India's great and ultimately, satisfying win, they had sometimes forgot about the man who is none other than Gautam Gambhir. And still, the current Indian men's head coach's effort is not treated with the consistency of regard one tends to extend to any great Sehwag, Sachin, and company.
And then there was Jemimah Rodrigues' emotion-fuelled, powerful, and ultimately well-conceived innings played the other day when her 127 made her and her nation's day in the ICC Women's CWC 2025 semi-final. Much like Gambhir's glorious 97, Jemimah's solo vigil that led to India chasing down a nearly unchaseable 339, stands out as a special and unforgettable knock. That said, what are the two heroic efforts that could actually have, if you think about it, parallels?
Jemimah Rodrigues' 127 not out vs Australia in Women's CWC 2025 semi-final
An innings to savour, one that was purely built on the pedestal of selflness, great timing, and sensational stroke making in a manner that was second to none; Jemimah Rodrigues did to women's cricket what none had expected her to carry out. Not that there have been any doubts, whatsoever, about her talent; but primarily because her form and class could so easily have been found out given the sheer discipline in the bowling of Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland (early on), and not to forget, Alana King.
But as wickets fell constantly at the other end, first with Smriti Mandhana falling to a false shot (which was unlike her as the ball was clearly sliding down the order and not too long ago before her loss Shafali also walking back), the pressure was mounting on Jemimah, the one that gets little credit for the mountains she so quietly and humanely moves for her sport, for her team, which to her are akin to one's own family.
And that glorious 127 not out in 134 balls with 14 fours, in the end, came at the time when India needed a strong solid partnership with more than one wicket falling cheaply. Eventually, Rodrigues - classy, courageous and charismatic - would stick to the crease, sweep, cut, lift against the pace and spin and make hay while the sun shone. And in so doing, she scored a stellar century, ensured that her wicket had been safeguarded and the chase wasn't in any way getting compromised.
An inning to savour and one rightly compared to being an emotionally uplifting moment such as Gambhir's strong and resilient 97. But while even "Gauti", such a fine displayer of stoicism couldn't protect his wicket, Jemimah did. She made 127 unbeaten runs with even Harmanpreet putting up her hand and taking the burden of run-making.
At the DY Patil Stadium, it was India's day as one of her proudest and widely noted daughter stood up to answer back to the energy and thrill the crowd had. Without her support, it would have been literally impossible for the team to stay at the wicket for as long as they did and they eventually won it against Australia.
Gautam Gambhir's 97 vs Sri Lanka in ICC Men's CWC 2025 final
Fourteen long years have passed since India's brilliant, thrilling and perhaps even unlikely win against Sri Lanka that had it not been for Gambhir's 97 fantastic inning wouldn't have even come true in the World Cup final. Why is that? For starters - it's one thing to propser in a World Cup event courtesy a dominant or game changing knock and something too different to do so in the finals of the event. This was the very case on that utterly unforgettable, absolutely thrilling final's knock played at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium in 2011 against the imposing Lankan team.
But it wasn't easy at all. Why so? Sehwag had walked back to the pavilion, not long after he had arrived onto the middle. He scored a duck. Then, walked back the great Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. What was even happening, or so one thought. The crowd stunned, Malinga had fun and in midst of all of this stood at the other end a man utterly dedicated to upholding the spirit of the contest for India - Gautam Gambhir.
Probably, he's hugely misunderstood at times. And maybe, on most other occasions, he is this so-called taker of decisions that while are focused on India's betterment, also carry a whiff of headstrong thinking; there's never a dull moment when it's about "Gauti" whom we all respect.
But what was amply clear back then in the pulsating Wankhede ODI World Cup final was the fact that Gambhir had played an innings of a lifetime. In scoring those eventual so-desperately-sought 97 runs, he played a great knock, revived India's chances and quite simply, led by an example that does justice to the line that says - a confident lad believes in himself and thus, always does the best for his country.
Had that grity knock happened up the order, would India not have won? Hard to say. Dhoni, too, scored quite a few. But none can deny - and must not - the place that Gautam Gambhir's courageous and selfless 97 that came especially at a time where Inda's chips were down. And probably out!
FAQs
Against which team did Gautam Gambhir make his 97 in the World Cup 2011?
It was the final match and India were up against Sri Lanka in Mumbai.
Against which team did Jemimah Rodrigues score 127 not out most recently?
It was against the mighty Aussies in India's semi-final clash in the Women's CWC 2025.
