Gautam Gambhir Interviewed by Yahoo India of Yahoo India on Friday

IT’S A GREAT FEELING: GAMBHIR
It’s a dream come true situation. It means a lot to me because my performance in last one year has been recognized by the ICC, says Gautam Gambhir.

Are you aware of the fact that you are the second Indian cricketer after Rahul Dravid to win ICC Test cricketer of the year award?
Yes, I know that and it is a great feeling for that. Rahul is a legend of Indian cricket and I am happy to know that I am the second Indian cricketer to win this award.

What does this award mean to you?
It’s a dream come true situation. It means a lot to me because my performance in last one year has been recognized by the ICC.

Will you please elaborate that why it is dream come true situation?
It’s very simple. I was not there in the Test team. One year back yet I got this award. I could not even imagine that I will get an opportunity to play in the Test match. Yet I became the highest scorer in Test matches. That is the reason why I call it a dream come true situation.

What is the best knock in the last one year?
It’s difficult to pick one. Yet a double century against the Australia was one of the best innings then I would mention the innings at Napier where I batted for two and a half days and helped India to draw the Test match.

Do you think Sachin Tendulkar’s presence helped you to mature as a batsman?
Yes, he’s the best batsman India has ever produced and I am fortunate enough to share the dressing room with him. Sachin helped me in many ways. I would also mention Virender Sehwag’s name who although guided me.

You won the Arjuna award this year; do you think that you will win the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in the coming year?
I do not play cricket to receive any particular award. You just cannot do so. You have to perform well and make positive contributions for the team’s victory. The award will take care itself.