Debang Gandhi determined to make a comeback

After Saurav Ganguly, he was considered to be the next messiah of Indian cricket from Bengal. Debang Gandhi's success in the home series against New Zealand gave him star billing in Bengal. But post-Australia has changed all that. And the level headed Gandhi is aware of this fact.

"For me, the match against Delhi is a new beginning. I have to start all over again," said Gandhi at the Eden Gardens on Monday. "I have to perform well in every match now. I know that time is short. But then I am a determined man."

Gandhi feels that a good performance in the Ranji Trophy Super League will once again pitchfork him into the national limelight. However, he was very disappointed at not finding a place in any of the teams in the recently concluded Challenger Trophy at Ahmedabad. "It is depressing not to find yourself within the first 40-odd players in the country. More so, because recently, I was being considered amongst the best 16. However, there is no hard feelings. This happens in life quite often and God willing, I will get back amongst the runs."

Gandhi feels that the failure in Australia has made him a tougher cricketer. "It's a different ball game, playing in Australia. It enrichens you. I just wish, I had spend more tiem at the wicket during the opportunities I had. Fast bowlers like Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Damien Flemming and even club level bowlers were quick. I just wish, I had toured Australia five years ago. It would have made me a better cricketer, than I am today."

The entire Bengal team is trying to encourage the 28-year old batsman. Coach Palash Nundy feels that Gandhi is still one of the main pillars of the Bengal side. "He was dropped after only one failure in the first Test. People forgot his performance against New Zealand. He should have been selected for the Challenger Trophy."

The man himself is unperturbed. "I do not want to blame anybody but myself for my omission. I have been dropped and it is my responsibilty to come back once more," is all that he has to say at present.