'Playing Pakistan is no different from Bangla'

The clamour for revival of Indo-Pak bilateral cricket is growing with every passing day, but Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir is not overtly excited about it as he feels playing against the arch-rivals is no different from taking on a Bangladesh or an Australia.

“For me, Pakistan is no different from Bangladesh, Australia or New Zealand. The main thing is that you are playing for your country and that in itself is a big motivation,” said the straight-talking left-hander, who has had on-field run-ins with Pakistani cricketers, including the feisty Shahid Afridi.

Talking about the Indian team and the transition phase it is enduring after the retirement of veterans such as Rahul Dravid, Gambhir rejected suggestions that youngsters are under pressure trying to fill in the big voids.

“There are no seniors or juniors in the Indian team. Everyone is equal in a team. If you are playing for India, you have to take the responsibility. Obviously, when you have experience, you are a bit more matured,” Gambhir said after his office team ONGC beat Rajnigandha Club at Modern School ground (Barakhamba Road) in the Lala Raghubir Hot Weather tournament.

Gambhir had recently said in a television interview that he is ready for captaincy but on Friday he decided to present a dead bat.“That’s for selectors to decide,” was Gambhir’s terse reply.