New Delhi: Gautam Gambhir, who was in top form during the Duleep Trophy that his team -- India Blue -- won comprehensively, is of the opinion that pink ball, which was used during the tournament, should not be used in Test matches. 

Gambhir said, “Test cricket has always been a part of traditional cricket and we should not try to experiment in the longer version of the game.”

Speaking on the issue of day-night cricket matches, the Delhi Southpaw said, “Cricket is not a summer sport in India as the conditions are tough. Rather it is a winter sport starting from the month of September. So if we try day-night matches, the condition at day and night would be totally different and this would affect this format of game.”

Talking about his recent exclusion from the Indian squad named for the upcoming New Zealand series despite being in sublime form, Gambhir said, “I will continue to work harder on whatever platform I get. The rest is on the selection committee to decide.”

When asked what the best opening combination in Test is, he said, “The Australian model is the best model in cricket. Choose who is in form rather than giving importance to the stature of the player. This must be applied in case of captains as well, although our captain is in great form.”

Meanwhile, Gambhir, who has been named as the brand ambassador of Indian Junior Premier League (IJPL), said that it was a new initiative that children from all across the country would get a chance to showcase their talent and it must be tried for one-day cricket and longer format of the game as well.

“Talent is God-gifted but a platform to showcase this talent is not. IJPL T-20 is a perfect opportunity for cricketers under 18 years of age from different school and cricket academies to become a star. It is your chance to graduate from gulli cricket to playing in largest of the stadia with capacity crowds and your game being aired on TV.”

On being asked how IJPL is different from the facilities available at the beginning of his carear, Gambhir said, “We did not such a platform when we were young. These youngsters surely have an added advantage.”

Gautam Gambhir, who has always been an aggressive player, when asked what would you he teach these youngsters, said, “Aggression has always been a part of my game and I will certainly teach these young players to be aggressive on the field. But to play following the rules of the game is very important and fair play is equally important part of the game.”