Gautam Gambhir was not blessed with the natural talent of many of his contemporaries, but he made up for it with his unwavering resolve and mental toughness. This was evident in his iconic marathon innings against New Zealand at Napier, where he scored 136 runs over two and a half days. In a recent revelation, Gambhir revealed that he relied on the sacred Hanuman Chalisa as his source of strength during that innings.
“A lot of people don’t know this story, and it’s pretty interesting. I was asked many times how did I manage to bat for 2 and a half days. Mane kaka (Manager) used to play music, and every day during lunch, tea, and in my room, I used to listen to Hanuman Chalisa,” Gautam Gambhir said during a post-match show on Star Sports.
Gautam Gambhir’s reliance on the Hanuman Chalisa is a testament to the diverse and often unconventional methods employed by cricketing stalwarts to conquer the challenges of the game.
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In the world of cricket, where maintaining focus and rhythm during extended stints at the crease is paramount, each batter employs their own unique methods. Some, like Virender Sehwag, resort to singing Bollywood tunes to stay in the zone. However, Gambhir’s choice of the Hanuman Chalisa is particularly noteworthy.
Regularly. It gives me immense strength! https://t.co/cEmRbJonJf
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 13, 2023
The Hanuman Chalisa is a Hindu devotional hymn dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman. It is a powerful and inspiring text that is often chanted to invoke strength and courage. By listening to the Hanuman Chalisa during his marathon innings, Gambhir was able to draw on its power and motivation to persevere through the tough conditions and deliver a match-winning performance.
Gautam Gambhir’s revelation is a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success in cricket. What works for one player may not work for another. The most important thing is to find what works for you and to use it to your advantage.
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Gautam Gambhir’s reliance on the Hanuman Chalisa is a testament to his mental toughness and his willingness to go the extra mile to achieve his goals. It is a story that inspires us all to find our own sources of strength and motivation to overcome any obstacle that comes our way.
