JOIN USGautam Gambhir predicted a tough one-day series in Sri Lanka while stressing on the need to adopt a more professional approach.
Speaking on the first day of the two-day camp on Monday for the Lanka-bound Indian cricketers, Gambhir said the tour was critical as it would help the team to prepare for two tough home series against New Zealand and England.
“It is a new series of a fresh season and it is important that we be totally professional in our approach to gain momentum and take it forward in our next series against England and New Zealand,” Gambhir said.
“We have talented players in our dressing room and we need to play to our potential to gain good results. Sri Lanka is a very good and formidable side in their own back yard. Every series is important for us. We are not only professional cricketers but we also need to be focused to deliver positive results by exhibiting professionalism,” he added.
As for the strategy against Lanka, Gambhir insisted that regardless of the frequency with which they play each other, India needed to execute their tactics on the field. “It is not a matter of how often you play against known players. It is important how you succeed with your plans on-field plans.”
Gambhir declined to read too much into designation. “I could not say as to how I look to my role. I have always maintained that a captain is as good as his team. I am not bothered about my designation. My job is to play to my potential as a professional and do well for my country and my team,” Gambhir said. Meanwhile, the team’s media manager Ravi Jain clarified that leg-spinner Rahul Sharma, who was hit on the head by a shot played by Virat Kohli, had not suffered any injury.
Parley with Fletcher
BCCI president N Srinivasan and chief coach Duncan Fletcher will meet on Tuesday to discuss the twin Test series debacles in England and Australia.
Lanka squad
Left-arm pacer Isuru Udana, who is is yet a make his debut in one-dayers, has been included in Sri Lanka’s 15-member squad for the five ODIs against India.
The squad: Mahela Jayawardena (capt), Angelo Mathews (vice-capt), T Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thisara Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Lasith Malinga, Chamara Kapugedara, Rangana Herath, Sachithra Senanayake, Jeevan Mendis, Isuru Udana.