It is tough to beat Sri Lanka at home, says Gambhir

Dambulla: Indian opener Gautam Gambhir had a dream run last year, scoring runs aplenty in both forms of the game. Along with Delhi teammate Virender Sehwag, the duo has been able to strike fear in the minds of rival bowlers and establish themselves as one of the leading opening pairs in the world.

The introvert Gambhir took time off to speak to Gulf News on the eve of their one-day series against Sri Lanka in Dambulla. Excerpts:

Gulf News: Last year was almost like a dream for you. At the start of a new year and series, what are your thoughts?

Gautan Gambhir: I just want to continue doing what I did for the country last season. Yes, it really was a great year for me, and for India, too. We beat the world champions fair and square and played consistently well. It helped all of us to gain more confidence.

So, will it be reflected in this one-day series against the Lankans?

Definitely. What happens when you have some good performances is, you seem to be get confident of producing the same. Yes, we all know that there will be bad times for us, individuals. But as a team we want to overcome that. And I am hopeful of better performances in Sri Lanka, too.

Playing against Sri Lanka means having to handle Ajantha Mendis. Do you have any specific plan to counter the bowler?

Well, what I can say is, I shall be backing my strong-points while facing him. He has been a phenomenal rise in international cricket - definitely a very good bowler. But there are others in the Lankan bowling line-up too. And we all watched the series against Pakistan recently, so we have a fair idea of how they are attacking the opposition batsmen.

Indians always play spin well.

Yes, that's an added advantage. We have some very good stroke-makers who, usually, do not allow the bowlers to settle in their line and length. Being positive helps, especially in one dayers.

But you have always been positive, even in Test matches.

Yes, that's what I look for. If there is a ball to hit, I'll try to hit it. Obviously not like Sehwag, he is a tremendous hitter of a ball. But bowlers do offer some width some times. You have to be ready to capitalise on those opportunities.

Talking about Sehwag, how does it feel watching him from the other end?

It's really an amazing experience. I have always enjoyed batting with him. And since we open for our state, our employers and for the country, the chemistry works. I know it very well that there is no point trying to copy him shot by shot. So I try to play my natural game. And I enjoy what he does at the other end.

The Indians tried to attack the Australians in the last series from the word go. Was it a conscious effort on your part?

Well, everybody knows that the Ausssies are aggressive in what they do. We just wanted to counter their aggression by being aggressive and putting them on the back foot. It worked and that's it.

Will the Indians opt for the same strategy against Sri Lanka?

Let's see. Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka are a great opponent. It's really tough to beat them at home. But we have to be positive. Last year we had beaten the Australians in Australia in the one-day series. So we should not be worried to play our natural game.

Now that you have established yourself in the team, what gives your more pleasure - a good knock in a Test match or a devastating knock in a one-dayer?

For a cricketer, success in Tests is the ultimate. We grew up listening to the heroics of cricketers in Tests. So, a cricketer is most satisfied when his performances in Tests is talked about. But being a cricketer of this generation, we know we have to play well in one-day matches.