My responsibilities don’t change with designation: Gambhir

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The Indian selection committee of late has been playing the game of 'musical chair' by rotating the post of vice-captaincy between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli but the former seemed unperturbed after being handed back the position for the World T20 in Sri Lanka.

"Your responsibilities and commitment towards the team don't change with change in designation. I am not in the team for my vice-captaincy. I am in the team to score runs and win matches for my country," Gambhir retorted when asked for his reaction after being reinstated as Mahendra Singh Dhoni's deputy.

Gambhir welcomed the inclusion of Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh in the squad.

"Yuvraj has been a match-winner and it is great to see him back in the team. As to whether the mood of the dressing room will be upbeat with Yuvraj coming back, I believe it's not dependant on any particular individual. It is about collective effort which constitutes of each and every member of the team," the left-hander said.

On Harbhajan, Gambhir said, "I am happy that Harbhajan is in the squad because in big tournaments, you need players like him. It's just not like that he has played 98 Tests and 229 ODIs. He is a big-occasion man."

He seemed a bit miffed when a scribe asked whether Piyush Chawla is in the team because he is a "lucky mascot" for World Cup squad, having been a part of the 2011 team.

"I have never believed in luck and lucky mascots. For me, there is only one thing that can ensure you success at the highest level — that is called hard work. I will always remain a firm believer that there can't be any substitute for sheer hard work."