Date:03/04/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/04/03/stories/2003040303522100.htm

Sport - Cricket

Worth the wait: Gambhir

BANGALORE April 2. It was worth the wait for Gautam Gambhir. The Delhi opener had knocked on the doors of the National team after carving out a double hundred for Board President's XI against Zimbabwe at Vijayawada last year.

However, Gambhir was overlooked but he soldiered on and now with his name figuring in the team for the Tri-Series tournament in Dhaka, his joy knew no limits.

"At last I have got the break and the wait was worth it. Right now I just want to do well and give 100 per cent,'' he said after landing in Bangalore for the Duleep Trophy match commencing here on Thursday. Gambhir will represent Elite-A against Elite-B in the Duleep fixture.

"I did well in the India `A' tour of the West Indies and I was expecting a call from the National team. I scored 620 runs averaging 48 and it felt good to score in different conditions,'' he said. Gambhir, who is a regular opener in the Ranji circuit, however reiterated that he would bat at any slot as per the team management's instructions.