Gautam Gambhir's delicate voice and frame is a perfect mask for his determination. He can surprise the unsuspecting opposition bowlers with an array of aggressive strokes and an attitude to match.

On a chilly Bangalore evening some two years ago, Gambhir had reduced the maniacal South African pace bowler Andre Nel to a blubbering toddler. More recently, the Delhi left-hander had responded to a hazardous task in the final of the Twenty20 World Cup in Johannesburg.

When the Pakistan bowlers were on a rampage, the diminutive Gambhir took it upon himself to counter them en route to a brilliant 75 in just 54 balls that propelled India to a defendable total. The knock also helped him emerge the highest run-getter for India, the second highest in the tournament, with 227 runs at 37.83 and at an impressive strike rate of 129.71.

The courage shown by Gambhir in a cauldron-like situation was remarkable and it also proved that he was ready to face stiffer challenges awaiting him ahead.

Gambhir was clear about the course to be taken in a crucial season when Deccan Herald caught up with him on the eve of the first one-dayer against Australia in Bangalore.

Excerpts:
Can you share your memories of that historic triumph in the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa?

That was fantastic as such moments do not come everyday in your life as a cricketer. When Sreesanth grabbed that catch (of Misbah-ul-Haq) to signal the end of Pakistan innings we were over the moon. It was a great team effort as everybody chipped in at the right moment. We will cherish that day forever.

Your knock in the final, especially when it came against Pakistan in such a high-voltage clash, might have pleased you a lot?

Yes, it was an important knock. But the innings made me happier because it ultimately helped the team win the match and the championship. I had just played my natural game and never allowed pressure to get on to me. It was a big occasion, a World Cup final, and I am happy that I could play such a knock.

Twenty20 is perceived to be a game of big-hitters, but you — not exactly a big-hitter — had emerged the second highest run-getter in the tournament. Have you made any special adjustments?

No, I did not make any special adjustments. I just played my natural game throughout the tournament. My full concentration was on giving the team a good start, and I had a couple of good partnerships at the top of the tree with (Virender) Sehwag. Our partnership against England in a must-win game was a memorable one. If you have enough shots for a 50-over game, you can play Twenty20 also successfully. At the end of the day, it is another form of cricket and the basics are the same.

Can you describe the feelings within the team when the bowl-out against Pakistan was going on?

It was really very, very tense. But when our first two bowlers hit the target and Pakistan's first two missed their target we knew that we were going to win that match. We had practiced the bowl-out before that match, keeping such a situation in mind and on the match day we had managed to do it successfully on the field. But, yes, all of us were really on the edge of the seat.

Bringing home a world title after a gap of 24 years, what does that mean to Indian cricket and the present generation?

It means a lot. As you said, the title has come home after a long while. It is really emotional for all of us. The reception in Mumbai on our return from South Africa proved that the country too shared our feelings. It is a motivation for us to do better in the future and corner more glories for the country. It will also teach the new generation that hard work and a brave attitude can take you a long way in life.

Your thoughts on Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy?

Dhoni led the team well in the tournament. His leadership has played a big role in keeping the team together and he is a cool customer on and off the field. He thinks a lot about cricket, and he is very mature in his ways.