Date:12/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/12/stories/2008031259692400.htm

Sport - Cricket

Gambhir not taking his place for granted

— File photo

Gautam Gambhir.

New Delhi: Gautam Gambhir may have been the top run-getter in the tri-series in Australia but the dashing left-hander says that past experience has taught him not to take his place in the team for granted.

Since his ODI debut in April 2003, Gambhir has struggled to cement his place in the side but things changed in Australia and he figured prominently in India’s tri-series triumph, scoring 440 runs from 10 innings including two centuries.

No complacency

Not ready to allow complacency to creep into his game, Gambhir said he was now looking to be consistent.

“I don’t want to be complacent by thinking that I have cemented my place in the team,” Gambhir said.

“Every player will have to earn his place in the team by performing consistently. It is tough competition (to make it to India team). My job is to keep on scoring runs and the rest is the selectors’ call,” he said.

About his exploits in Australia, Gambhir said, “I am happy that I did well in Australia. But, international cricket is tough and it is about performing consistently.” — PTI