Ready to play Pakistan: Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir, who led  Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in the IPL 5, cautions Sri Lanka cannot be taken lightly after their series win against Pakistan. He stressed the  importance of starting the new season on a winning note.

“The first series of the season is  important because it sets the tone for the important series coming up (England, Australia). It is important that to start on a winning note,” said Gambhir.

Sri Lanka have always been a tough opponent at home. Several Indian cricketers ha­ve struggled to score runs in those conditions. Former India leg-spinner Anil Kumble once called the Premadasa ground as a graveyard for bo­wlers.

“Sri Lanka is a tough side in their own backyard. They have got quality players in their side. The most import­ant thing being they are coming from a tough series aga­inst Pakistan. They will be hi­gh on confidence after doing well. We are coming back after a break. It’s going to be a tough series and we cannot take them lightly,” opined Gambhir.

“We have got enough talent in our dressing room and if all our players perform to th­eir potential, we will be the team to look out for. We sho­uld be ready for the challen­ge,” added Gambhir.

Gambhir said the key to good form depended on how the player adapted to all the formats.  “We have been playing all the three formats of the game. We have to adapt to di­fferent situations. It’s important for me to start well because if I do well, I will take that confidence into the Test series(against New Zealand) and then the all-important World Cup (T20), followed by series against England and Australia.

“I need to start well and ta­ke that momentum forward. The important thing is to stay clear and take each game as it comes rather than thinking you have the whole season in hand and so many games coming up.”

On the revival of India-Pakistan series, Gambhir had this to say: “BCCI and Government have to decide on that. As far as we are concer­ned, we  have to go out there and play. As professionals, it doesn’t matter who the opp­o­nents are; whether it is Pak­istan, Sri Lanka or Australia, we have to approach it the same way.

“For us, we have to win every series in which India is involved and that is where our focus is,’’ said Gambhir.