Gambhir sees off one friend, joins another

Chopra nosed ahead with his Test debut last year in Australia but now the tables have turned. Gambhir, speaking to The Sunday Express, acknowledged the healthy rivalry. ‘‘I replace a very close friend. The only thing that makes me happy is the fact that Delhi will once again have the opening slot.’’

But he soon shifts his thoughts to the job at hand. ‘‘I was expecting a call some time during the series. I am mentally prepared, I’ve been watching the Australian bowlers. I want to spend as much time as possible at the crease before going for the my shots.’’

And it is this aggressive nature — Gambhir wants to curtail it — that makes him different to Chopra. He’s not the Sehwag mode either; more like Yuvraj with the skills of a natural opener. So if Gambhir walks out with his ONGC teammate Sehwag at the Wankhede, the run rate won’t be an issue.