Apart from Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir is also trying hard to get back into the Indian team. However, his debut for Essex wasn’t as great as he was expecting it to be. The 31 year-old scored 31 runs off 67 balls against Northamptonshire and is looking to make the most of this opportunity as there is not much amount of cricket to be played in the domestic circuit before the South African tour.
The south-paw from Delhi was quoted by Deccan Chronicle saying, "Back home at the moment there's not a lot of cricket and you always want to challenge yourself in different conditions, especially when you can get six first-class games before your own first-class season starts. It's always a great opportunity.”
For Gambhir, playing in county was his childhood dream and he feels happy that he got the opportunity like this especially when his urge of making a comeback to the Indian squad is strong. Gambhir played his last ODI against England at Dharamsala earlier this year and since then selectors haven’t given him a chance. It’s mainly because of the poor run that he carried for almost two years or so and also because of the good form of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan who have strengthen the Indian top-order with their aggressive and sensible play.
He was quoted by Deccan Herald saying, "When you are growing up as a kid you always hear about county cricket and I think you should play it once in your lifetime. It's always a good opportunity to come out here and play county cricket for a team like Essex which has got some quality players. It's going to be a good challenge and good fun as well.”
Gambhir was dropped from the Indian side following his inconsistent run that included not scoring a century in his previous 26 Tests and his chances of getting selected for South Africa tour aren't that bright. But he is very hopeful of getting a national call very soon. He currently wants to play well for Essex which has given him a wonderful opportunity. Gambhir was bit scratchy in his knock as he departed after scoring 31 off 67 on Wednesday.
He was quoted by The Hindu saying, "The main thing is to do well for Essex and to try and bring Essex success - that is my immediate aim. I just need to go out there and keep scoring runs and try and contribute in every way," said Gambhir, who has represented India in 54 Tests, 147 ODIs and 37 T20 internationals.
The 31 year-old, who hails from Delhi, hasn't played for India in Tests since the England series in December.
