27 November,2010 06:55 AM IST | | Debasish Dutta
After a hectic three-match Test series against the New Zealanders, players like Gautam Gambhir, S Sreesanth, Suresh Raina, and Murali Vijay were the lucky ones to be allowed to spend time in their respective homes before reporting to Guwahati, the venue of Sunday's first one-day international between India and New Zealand.
Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir was named skipper of the limited overs pack as soon as regular captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was granted a well-deserved break before the arduous tour of South Africa.
MiD DAY spoke to Gambhir yesterday. Excerptsz Did you expect to get the captaincy so early in your career?
It is only because MS Dhoni and Viru (Sehwag) were granted some rest that I got the opportunity. It is difficult to express the responsibility of leading the Indian team. I am honoured and terribly excited.
How do you rate the New Zealand one-day side?
They always play better in the 50-over game. I am sure the Kiwis will play much more attacking cricket than they did in the just-concluded Test series.
You don't have the services of seven regular players...
It is a big challenge for all of us. The not-so regular faces will definitely give their best because they know that if they do well, they could be called up for the World Cup. So, this is great motivation for all.
Do you think Munaf Patel will be a handy bowler in the ODI series?
Yes. I have already spoken to him. We will also have a long chat before the start of the series. Looks like Munaf will do well.
How did you enjoy the experience of selecting the team?
It was a great experience. Leading Delhi, North Zone and Delhi Daredevils would help me to handle the pressure of leading the national side.
You had a lean patch, but you started doing well the moment you were appointed captain ufffd
(Laughs) Maybe! But one thing is certain, Iu00a0 was fresh after that (announcement). Now, we all have to play well.
Will Virat Kohli be your opening partner?
No. Virat might come at No 3. In all probability, I will open the innings with Murali Vijay, but before that, I would like to have a chat with our coach, Gary Kirsten.
You will not be able to leave for South Africa on December 6 with the first batch of cricketers. Is this a disadvantage?
Ya. We would be playing against the Kiwis in the ODIs when Viru, Sachin would be busy in SA. It would have been nice if I could also go to SA in order to get acclimatised, but you cannot have everything. At the moment, I am not thinking about the SA tour. I am concentrating on the ODI series.
