Gambhir is back to full fitness, ready for Cup

Jan 28, 2011 |

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Gautam Gambhir

Jan. 27: In a team blessed with batsmen who are ready to float in the batting order, Gautam Gambhir holds the pivotal position at three. The form of Gambhir could largely decide how M.S. Dhoni rotates his top and middle order.

With Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag to open, Gambhir’s key task area would be much more than merely bludgeoning attacks on shirtfronts, the left-hander would be expected to bat through the entire quota.

Recovering from injury, Gambhir sounded confident of being fully fit for the opening tie against Bangladesh. “I had a soft tissue injury in South Africa after the Tests and was sent back as a precautionary measure. The recovery has been good and I should be back in the nets in a few days. I am hopeful of regaining full fitness before February 19,” said Gambhir.

For IPL’s richest player, playing in the World Cup has been a long cherished dream. Missing the 2007 edition was the lowest point of Gambhir’s career. It’s an irony that India’s poor show in the World Cup opened the doors for Gambhir to seal a permanent slot.

“It will be my first World Cup and I can’t wait to get out there and perform. It is the dream of every cricketer to represent the country in this event. I am confident of contributing to the team’s success,” said Gambhir.

Luckily for India, batting at number three is not a new situation for Gambhir. In 31 innings, Gambhir has scored 1161 runs at an average of 43.00, an improvement of 2.57 runs per innings from his career average.

Many pundits have predicted India regaining the Cup after 28 years and Gambhir supported the thought. “What we encountered in South Africa was completely different. We know the conditions (here) well and it will suit our style of play. And more importantly, the crowd will be behind us. We will be one of the sides to watch out for,” added Gambhir.

Moving on to a different wicket, the IPL where Sourav Ganguly and Brian Lara were ignored, Gambhir said: “It is a decision made by the franchises. They would obviously have their reasons. At the end of the day every side would want a certain combination and they would want to get players who address those demands.”

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