Gautam Gambhir was India 's top performer in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa. His consistent, explosive batting at the top of the order, including a blazing 75 in the final against Pakistan in Johannesburg on September 24, was not only the flavour of the championship but also went a long way towards Mahendra Singh Dhoni and company's ultimate triumph.
The southpaw continued his good form in the subsequent one-day series against the Aussies before making room for S Badrinath because of injury, but came back strongly and scored a brilliant 63 in the one-off Twenty20 match at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on October 20.
In the following interview with Haresh Pandya, the dashing Delhi opener talks about his batting, the prolific form he is in and ambition to regain his place in the Test team.
What is the secret of your terrific form with the willow of late?
Well, I really don't know. I'm still the same Gautam Gambhir and I've made no changes whatsoever in my batting. But I'm happy that everything has been working so well for me at present. I'm in good nick and nothing can be better than to be in form for any cricketer. It increases your confidence and lifts your morale.
Your approach to batting seems to perfectly suit the Twenty20 format. Have you made any adjustment in your technique for this latest version of the game?
No, I haven't. But I've the ability to bat according to the situation and the nature of the game, be it Twenty20 cricket, one-day cricket or Test cricket. It's nice to be able to quickly adjust my game to the Twenty20 format and doing my bit in India's victory in the World Cup in South Africa. But I want to do equally and consistently well in one-day cricket also.
Could you say something about your 75 in the final against Pakistan?
Well, there wasn't anything special about my innings. I just wanted to play my natural game and continue with my good form. But it's a nice feeling that it turned out to be a match-winning innings.
What are your happy memories of the Twenty20 World Cup, which you dominated?
There can't be a happier memory than India beating Pakistan in the final and winning the inaugural event. It was great to be a part of the World Cup-winning Indian team.
Is it the finest moment of your still flourishing international career?
Yes, you could say that.
Many were surprised, even shocked, to see India win the Twenty20 World Cup?
Yes, there are always people who are never ready to give you credit even when you achieve something remarkable. But the fact remains that we've not only become champions but become champions in style. Our triumph was no fluke in any way. But you can't stop carping critics from saying what they want to say.
Your 63 in the one-off Twenty20 game against Australia in Mumbai reminded many of your 75 against Pakistan in Johannesburg. And to think you had just come back after sustaining an injury. How were you feeling while hitting the Australian bowlers?
Nothing, in particular. It's just that everything clicked and worked according to what I had planned. But again it was good to contribute a little to India's win. I'm sure our convincing win against Australia must have silenced those not prepared to believe that we've won the Twenty20 World Cup.
The force and success with which you have been batting of late gives the impression that you have been trying to answer your critics. Have you been trying to prove a point or two?
No, no, I never believe in giving answers to anybody. It's not my nature. I never believe in giving back to anyone. It's just that I want to prove a few good points to myself rather than to anyone else. And that's what I've been trying to do. But I really don't want to prove anything to anybody.
Have you ever been frustrated in your career by the kind of treatment you have received from the selectors until recently?
No, never. I've learnt to take things in my stride. There must always have been reasons for them not to consider me for selection in the Indian team. Also, there are so many good players around that the selectors have every reason and right to try others also. You've to learn to take the rough with the smooth.
You have not played too many Tests. Much the same could be said about the number of ODIs you have figured in. Don't you think you have missed a lot, given your talents?
Cricket is very tough, very competitive. You've to keep working hard and scoring runs and try to find a permanent place in your country's team.
Are you looking forward to winning back your place in the Test side?
Yes, of course. Every cricketer loves to play Tests and I'm no different from the rest. You could say it's one of my ambitions to regain my place in the Test team. But you've to keep performing, whether it's Test cricket, one-day cricket, Twenty20 cricket or any other form of the game. If I can maintain my good form, I'm sure I'll be considered for Tests as well one day.
Where does this confidence come from?
Well, in addition to my present form, it's my talent also that gives me confidence. And talent is a must for you to deliver. You can't bat or bowl if you aren't talented. And you can't be in good nick if you've got no talent. It's as simple as that, isn't it? So I am hoping to stage a comeback in the Test side on the strength of my talent, form and performance.
Have you always been such an aggressive batsman?
Yes, I've always been very aggressive. I'm a strokeplayer and I just love to play my shots.
Your somewhat quiet bearing and seemingly simple personality belie your attacking power with the bat. Are you really very quiet?
Yes, that's the way I'm off the field. I don't show my emotions. I keep things just to myself. But I've got friends who I'm very close to.
Have you always been an opener?
Yes, I've always opened the innings.
Have you ever tried to copy any other batsman's style?
No, never. I'm my own role model.
Can you name any one particular cricketer you admire the most?
Virender Sehwag is one cricketer I admire the most. I'm a big fan of him. He is one of my most favourite cricketers. He has always helped me in my game. He is a great cricketer. A legend, if you like.
Photograph: Getty Images
