Gautam Gambhir may have been the top run-getter in the tri-series in Australia but the 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.

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,” said the attacking Delhi batsman.

Refusing to bask in the glory of his exploits in Australia, Gambhir said: “I am happy that I did well in Australia. But a few bad games and you can be under pressure. International cricket is tough and is all about performing consistently.”

Gambhir also does not think his one-day form would guarantee a place in the Indian Test squad against South Africa though he had been in fine form in the Ranji Super League leading Delhi to title.

“I am keeping my fingers crossed. Making it to the team is not in my hand. It is the selectors’ job and what I can do is keep performing,” he said.

When pressed if he can sneak into the Test opening slot considering that Wasim Jaffer was a flop show in Australia, the flamboyant batsman said: “I am not thinking much about it, who is performing and who is not. If the selectors think I am doing well than I may get selected, otherwise not.”

Gambhir said it was highly satisfying to succeed in Australia but he did not think he had answered his critics by scoring heavily. “I don’t need to answer my critics. I need to prove to myself that I am a better player by keeping on scoring. That is my concern. I am not concerned about what others say.”

The 26-year-old batsman was also not the one to jump the gun and claim that the MS Dhoni-led young Indian side is on the cusp of becoming world beaters.