New Delhi: After having thrown his hat in the ring, opening batsman Gautam Gambhir Friday refused to be drawn into the debate over India’s Test captaincy saying that the decision remained solely with the selectors.
Under Gambhir’s captaincy Kolkata Knight Riders won their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title defeating twice champions Chennai Super Kings in the finals.
“That’s for the selectors to decide,” Gambhir said when asked about Test captaincy after his office team ONGC beat Rajnigandha Club at the Modern School grounds (Barakhamba Road) in the Lala Raghubir Singh Hot Weather cricket tournament.
The BCCI’s decision to remove Gambhir from his post of vice-captaincy and appoint young Virat Kohli in the Asia Cup ODIs came as a surprise to many.
Talking about revival of cricketing ties between Pakistan and India, the elegant left-hander said that too much should not be made of the situation and felt that playing against the arch-rivals was the same as playing against any other country
“For me, Pakistan is no different from Bangladesh, Australia or New Zealand. The main thing is that you are playing for your country and that in itself is a big motivation,” said Gambhir.
Gambhir said retirement of senior cricketers like Rahul Dravid would not dent India’s performance in the Tests and felt that everyone in the team were equal.
“There are no seniors or juniors in the Indian team. Everyone is equal in a team. If you are playing for India, you have to take the responsibility. Obviously, when you have experience, you are a bit more matured.”
On the national team’s debacle in the Test arena in England and Australia, the southpaw said the minor break the team has away from the game would augur well in their pursuit of winning back the No.1 ranking.
India have a busy schedule ahead of them and will play New Zealand, England and Australia in Tests at home. (IANS)