Scores Upcoming Results
07-Dec-2010 02:59:00 GMT
India v New Zealand, 4th ODI, BangaLore

Yusuf Pathan Could Be Promoted - Gambhir

BangaLore: India have won the series with a largely second-string squad but skipper Gautam Gambhir is in no mood to test the bench strength further in the remaining two games.

A day before the fourth ODI in Bangalore, Gambhir said he was all for fielding the best XI instead of needlessly tinkering with the playing combination.

"I had said that this is a young side and we have inexperienced and young players. This is an international match and one should put out the best team. It is not that we will take it lightly now because we have won the series. That is what a good team is all about," said Gambhir, adding: "In due course when an youngster gets an opportunity, he should take it."

Gambhir, though, said he was all for giving Yusuf Pathan an opportunity higher up the order. "If you see someone like Pathan or Jadeja, they haven't got enough opportunities with the bat. Yusuf has always batted in the last ten overs. He always had to just go after the bowling and he hasn't got enough chances to get his eye in. Probably, we can think of giving him the opportunity."

Meanwhile, Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori said he was banking on Ross Taylor to interpret the nature of the pitch, given that the Chinnaswamy Stadium is IPL 'home' ground for the Royal Challengers player. Vettori, arguably, would like to get a match-winning contribution from Taylor too.

"Ross has always been a good performer. But when he is going through a bad run, it exemplifies shot selection or lack of runs. We are hopeful that he is comfortable here in Bangalore," said Vettori.

Taylor's form is not the only worry for Vettori. "In this part of the world, you need to be harder with the ball and make it straight. We got to find a way to stop Gambhir," he said.


Scores Upcoming Results
Related links

Top