Don’t compare me with VVS: Mongia

However, he is quick enough to add: ‘‘One thing is for sure, VVS is a great bat. He’s very good and I’m his fan.’’

The southpaw has made it to the national team after a series of impressive performances in the domestic circuit which have been aptly rewarded. Though the greater query lies in whether he would make it to the playing eleven.

In the presence of Kaif and Yuvraj in the middle-order, Mongia’s role could come little into play. Given the ‘‘all-rounder’’ tag that he carries, Punjab have already begun missing his presence in the all-important Ranji Trophy final that begins today.

‘‘I will be very disappointed if he does not figure in the playing eleven at Kochi,’’ says Punjab coach Intikhab Alam.

But it was evident at Mohali on Tuesday that Alam would have preferred Mongia to play the Ranji final. His premier cricketer watching the game from the sidelines while two important matches are in progress is what could be bothering him.

Ironically, Mongia and (Murali) Karthik were the two players to have been excluded from the Board President’s XI team to play the tour opener against Pakistan — reason: Ranji Trophy.