Gautam Gambhir, on Tuesday, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Gambhir, who played his last match for India in 2016, has decided to hang his boots on the illustrious career spanning 15 years. While announcing his retirement, the stylish left-handed batsman said, “After more than 15 years of cricket for my country, I want to retire from this beautiful game.” Delhi Daredevils Renamed as 'Delhi Capitals' Ahead of Indian Premier League 2019 Auction in Jaipur on December 18!

On his Twitter and Facebook account, Gautam Gambhir wrote, “The most difficult decisions are often taken with the heaviest of hearts. And with one heavy heart, I’ve decided to make an announcement that I’ve dreaded all my life.” Gambhir also posted a video, titled ‘Unbeaten’ in his social media posts!

Watch Video: Gautam Gambhir Announces His Retirement

Gautam Gambhir played 58 Test matches for India, in which he scored 4,154 runs at an impressive average of 41.95. Gambhir hit 9 centuries, and 22 half-centuries in his career, since he made his debut in the year 2004!

Speaking about his ODI career, Gautam Gambhir played in 147 matches, where he scored 5,238 runs at an average of 39.68. Gambhir hit 11 centuries, and 34 half-centuries since he made his debut against Bangladesh in 2003. IPL 2019 Auction: Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh Released; Former Selector Sandeep Patil Says, 'Not Surprised, Would Have Done The Same'

The left-handed opener played in 37 T20Is for India, where he scored 932 runs at an average of 27.41. Gambhir scored 7 half-centuries and at a strike rate of 119.02.

Not to forget his vital contributions in India’s successful campaigns in the finals of ICC World T20 2007 and ICC World Cup 2011, Gambhir has been the cog of India’s wheels in these and many other big-ticket tournaments! Gautam Gambhir 37th Birthday Special: Look Back At ICC T20 World Cup 2007, World Cup 2011 and Other Occasions Where Delhi Southpaw Helped India Script History!

The numbers won’t speak of how much Gautam Gambhir has contributed for Indian cricket. Gambhir has been one of the many pillars in the post-Sourav Ganguly era, which saw India’s meteoric rise under the leadership of MS Dhoni!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 04, 2018 08:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).