Winning overseas matters a lot: Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir feels that there is nothing wrong in using home advantage

New Delhi - India’s out-of-form opener Gautam Gambhir was all praise for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Co. for their recent 4-0 whitewash of Australia but said the team’s real test will be on overseas tours for them to emerge as a force in world cricket.

The Kolkata Knight Riders captain was dropped for the Australia Test series before being picked for the last Test, only to dropped again since he was down with jaundice.

“Unless a team wins overseas, they are not recognised as a force. I have always believed that winning in overseas conditions matters a lot. I am happy that we have done well at home. There is nothing wrong in using home advantage as every country does that,” Gambhir told reporters on the sidelines of a promotional event.

Gamhir said his personal aim always has been to be a member of an overseas Test series-winning squad.

“But look at South Africa. They beat Australia in Australia and England in England. Actually, they are the No.1 side in the world. My personal aim has always been to be a member of the overseas Test series-winning squad and score runs in the team’s victory,” Gambhir said.

He said “form is a state of mind”.

“For me, form is always a state of mind. If you are confident and fearless and ready to express yourself, that’s what matters the most.”

The Delhi batsman lauded the board for sending the ‘A’ team to South Africa before the senior team’s tour later this year.

“It’s a good thing that India ‘A’ team will be travelling to South Africa. This tour will give the players a fair idea about what to expect when the senior team goes there. Normally, when we go to South Africa, we play a couple of practice matches and by the time we gauge the pace and bounce of the wicket, the Test series gets over. So it’s a welcome move,” he said.