We need to deliver, says Gambhir

Chennai - Gautam Gambhir predicted a tough one-day series in Sri Lanka and stressed on the need to adopt a professional approach as the Indian team prepared for a new season.

Speaking to media persons here on Monday when the two-day camp commenced, Gambhir said the tour to Sri Lanka was critical as it would help the team prepare for two tough home series against New Zealand and England.

“It is a fresh series of a fresh season and it is important that we need to be totally professional in our approach to gain the 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 an all too familiar opponent, Gambhir insisted that regardless of the frequency with which they play each other, of more importance is the execution of on-field tactics.

“It is not a matter of how often you play against known players. It is important how you succeed with your on-field plans. Whether we are familiar with the players or conditions, we need to deliver,” the opening batsman asserted.

Gambhir declined to read too much into designation, but preferred to focus on playing to his potential.

“I could not say as to how I look to my role. As we play in all three forms of cricket, the coming series is important to us.”

“The series against Sri Lanka is very important for us. As I said, they are very formidable side, especially after having played a tough series against Pakistan. We have to take each chance that comes our way for positive results,” he said.

“I have always maintained that a captain is as good as his team. I am not bothered about my designation in the team. 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, was fine and had not suffered any injury.

The squad, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, worked out for nearly four hours at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in the afternoon with chief coach Duncan Fletcher and support staff in attendance.

The players are scheduled for another round of training session on Tuesday afternoon and will fly to Sri Lanka on Wednesday.