I don't run away from competition, I face it: Gautam Gambhir to NDTV
Left on the sidelines, Gautam Gambhir tells NDTV that being dropped from the national team has made him work harder and explains how growing competition in the side has made him determined to put in his absolute best.
It's been close to seven months since he last wore an India jersey. For Gautam Gambhir though, playing for the national team once again remains at the absolute top of his priority list.
Gambhir, who has signed up for English county side Essex to remain in touch with competitive cricket, spoke to NDTV on Friday and revealed how being out of the national team has helped him become even more determined to improve as a player. "This (being out of the national team) is part and parcel of a sportspersons life. It always keeps you on your toes. It makes you a better cricketer, a better human being," he said.
The 31-year-old opening batsman's last international appearance was against England in Dharamsala on January 27. Since, the rise of several players including Shikhar Dhawan has meant that the Indian team has not missed the services of Gambhir much. For him though, competition is always good for both cricketers as well as the sport. "It doesn't bother me at all. It's good to have competition and I have always believed in it. When I was playing for India and was doing well, I was still saying the same thing. I am not someone who runs away from competition. It's good to have competition in every field, whether in cricket or any other profession because it gets the best out of you."
Gambhir has played several stellar knocks for India but his performance in the run-up to being dropped from the national team was unimpressive. While his last ODI fifty (52) was against England on January 11, his last century (102) was as far back as in July last year, against Sri Lanka. Since that match however, he has averaged just 24.9 from 10 innings, with a best of 88.
The batsman now has a chance to showcase his talent and find form for Essex. "We are delighted with the signing of Gautam Gambhir who is a player with pedigree, which has been showcased on the biggest stages in cricket," Paul Grayson, the Essex head coach, said on Thursday. "He will no doubt bring his experience to the squad during an important stage of the season for us in the LV County Championship and Yorkshire Bank 40 competition."