New Delhi: Once considered India’s most dependable opening pair, Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag are now toiling on the domestic circuit to find their way back into national colours.
The Indian Premier League, that offers players a chance to show their mettle and stake claims for national berths, however is not something that Gambhir has in mind. “I will never use the IPL as a platform. It is a vehicle to do well for my side Kolkata Knight Riders,” Gambhir said at an event here on Wednesday.
“Domestic cricket is the stepping stone for making it to the India team. Till the time love for the game is there, I don’t mind playing at any platform, be it domestic, IPL or the international cricket. I love the game and that is what matters to me,” he said.
Gambhir last donned India colours during a one-day international against England at Dharamsala in January 2013.
The 32-year-old, however, was in prolific form during the Ranji Trophy season, scoring 578 runs with a top score of 153 against Haryana. He however, was ignored for India’s limited-overs campaign in the Asia Cup, where the team failed to qualify for the final.
With India touring England in June followed by the 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Gambhir will be keen to break through. “Look, I don’t predict what’s there in future for me. I am not looking that far (England tour and the World Cup). It’s a long time to go. The reality is that I have to play the Deodhar Trophy and the IPL,” he said.
Asked about his future, he said, “I don’t know. I have not thought about it. I don’t look at for how long I am going to play. The day I feel like I cannot contribute to the team’s success, that’s the day I am going to call it quits,” he said, adding, “The only thing on the back of my mind is to do well in Deodhar Trophy and IPL. If I am able to make a comeback, I’ll definitely give my 100 per cent.”
