While the nation’s attention was focused on his backyard at Ferozeshah Kotla, Delhi opener Gautam Gambhir, despite being away from home, managed to stay in the headlines. Though his 137 not out on the final day of the Ranji Trophy game against Mumbai wasn’t enough to accomplish Delhi’s mission impossible of chasing down the winning target of 387, but it certainly ensured that Gambhir will figure prominently in that perpetual debate about India’s Test openers.With Delhi losing quick wickets after lunch — three within a span of 11 balls with Virender Sehwag and Virat Kohli falling for ducks — Mumbai even dared to dream about an outright win. But Gambhir, in company of Mitthun Manhas, ensured a draw and three points for their team.Delhi now have 11 points from three outings and are placed second after Maharashtra (12) in the Group A, while Mumbai are third with nine points.As Gambhir took his run tally from this game to 226 — he scored 89 in the first innings — it was clear that the opener has made a smooth transition panning across various versions of the game this season. After a dream outing in the T20 World Cup, Gambhir carried his form in the one-dayers. And with his knock of 137 from 278 balls here, the 26-year-old has dispelled notions that he is good enough only for the shorter variety of the game.Towards the end of the his 180-run opening stand with Aakash Chopra (81), Gambhir was showing signs of launching an all out assault on the Mumbai bowlers and attempt that marathon charge on Mt 387. But with Aavishkar Salvi’s double strike, the crowd missed the chance to see an unplugged Gambhir. The opener curbed his natural attacking instincts to play risk-free strokes and ensure a draw.Such was the solidity of Gambhir’s play that Mumbai knew that there could be no headway and the game was called off well before the mandatory overs started. When Gambhir went back to the dressing room, he seemed quite satisfied after scoring his 22nd first class century. Brief scores: Mumbai 166 and 471/9 decl v Delhi 251 and 252/3 (A Chopra 81, G Gambhir 137 n.o.; Salvi 2/31) Match drawn.
