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.