Gautam Gambhir [Images] and Aakash Chopra struck centuries in the second innings to restore dented pride after star-studded Delhi faced the ignominy of following on against unfancied Himachal Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group encounter in Dharamsala on Monday.

At stumps on day three, Delhi were 335 for three after being bundled out for just 75 in the first innings in reply to Himachal Pradesh 341. 

Gambhir scored 103 while Akash Chopra was batting on 146 with Mithun Minhas (10). Delhi established a lead of 69 runs. Virender Sehwag [Images], however, once again disappointed and was out on for 32.

Pacer Ashok Thakur, who had scalped four wickets in the first innings, took all the three wickets on Monday.

Gambhir hit 11 boundaries in his 199-ball stay while Chopra struck 15 fours and one six in his 288-ball vigil.

The duo were involved in a 230 run stand after Delhi lost Sehwag at the score of 53.

Scorecard:

Himachal Pradesh (1st innings): 341
     Delhi (1st innings): 75 
Delhi (2nd innings):
G Gambhir c Bisla b Thakur 103
V Sehwag c Bisla b Thakur 32
A Chopra not out 146
S Dhawan b Thakur 13
M Manhas not out 10
Extras: (b 8, lb 7, w 4, nb 12) 31
Total: (3 wickets; 94 overs) 335

Fall of wickets: 1-53, 2-283, 3-310

Bowling: A Thakur 17-2-72-3, V Malik 21-7-61-0, V Bhatia 21-1-83-0, B Sharma 3-0-13-0, S Singh 31-4-89-0, S Sharma 1-0-2-0