Don’t regret joining the ICL at all, says Rohan Gavaskar

He is back and is gunning for glory. Once called a 'rebel', Rohan Gavaskar, after a two-year stint with the Indian Cricket League, is glad to return to the 'BCCI fold'. HT caught up with the 33-year old southpaw, reports Anam Arsalan.

He is back and is gunning for glory. Once called a 'rebel', Rohan Gavaskar, after a two-year stint with the Indian Cricket League, is glad to return to the 'BCCI fold'.

HT Image

HT

caught up with the 33-year old southpaw.

Excerpts:

On his return to the fold

It's good to be back. I always thought that the 'rebel' tag was a bit harsh, we were playing cricket after all. But, it feels good as now I will get to play more cricket. I am confident of making it to the team as my record is more than just 'pretty good'. I am the third highest run-scorer for Bengal and performances do matter (6829 runs from 114 first-class matches).

On the Corporate Cup

This is an important tournament as it has been granted official status by the BCCI. But, I think any tournament you play is important simply because when you step out into the field you plan to do well.

On being billed as the 'not so illustrious son of an illustrious father'

I don't go after fame. I took to playing cricket as I loved the sport and I was good at it too.

On picking cricket over football

At one stage, I realised I didn't have the skills to reach a particular level. I was better and more skilled as far as cricket. Besides, I didn't choose cricket as a career option. I chose it for the love of the game. It's only now that I have started considering it as a career.

On the transition from T20 to 50-over game format

Batting is batting, bowling is bowling. I don't think I will have to plan anything in advance for it. Just because you haven't driven a car for the past two years doesn't mean that you have forgotten how to drive. The basics of cricket will always be the same. If it's a good ball you defend, but, if it's worth hitting you hit…that's it. You have been playing T20 for two years but you have been playing 50-over since the last 15 years, so that will stand you in good stead.

On joining the ICL

The reason was to play against international stars. There was the whole Pakistan team and then there was Shane Bond, Craig McMillan and Lance Klusener to name a few.

And when I had joined the ICL, I knew that I won't get to play for India again. So it was my chance to play with international cricketers again.I don't regret it at all.

On the ODI format

I don't think it has become obsolete. T20 has caught the imagination and Tests are Tests. It doesn't get better than Tests. There is still a place for ODIs. However, as time passes you will see a lot more T20 matches happening and less one-dayers.