There's still space for ODIs, says Gambhir

One-day cricket shouldn't be scrapped; there is enough space in the international calendar to accommodate the format that is struggling to survive in the face of Twenty20's rising profile, feels Indian opener Gautam Gambhir.

"There is still space for the 50-over format in international cricket. It gives batsmen an opportunity to show their talent, particularly the middle-order batsmen. Test is the toughest form of the game," he said.

Asked about the upcoming season, Gambhir said the Indian team is well-prepared to handle the challenges, which include a tri-series in Sri Lanka and Champions Trophy in South Africa.

"If we play to our potential and continue to perform with positive approach, we will do very well in the coming season," he said.

Gambhir dismissed suggestions that Indian batsmen cannot deal with the short ball well.

"It is only a hype that has been created. We do not face any such problems. I do not see it as a problem in our team," he said.

Asked about the Delhi players' recent stand-off with their state association, Gambhir replied that he doesn't know whether the row has ended permanently.

"I do not know whether it has been resolved temporarily or permanently," he said.

Gambhir, who features in the Indian team in all formats, has been roped in as brand ambassador by the tyre manufacturing company MRF Limited.

Announcing the company's decision and introducing Gambhir as its brand ambassador, K M Vinu Mammen, chairman of MRF, said, "Gautam has been rising in stature in recent times and this has been endorsed by his recent nomination for the ICC Awards 2009 for the Cricketer of the Year and Test Player of the Year categories."

Referring to the company's past brand ambassadors, including Sachin Tendulkar, Australia's Steve Waugh and West Indies' great Brian Lara, Mammen said, "There is certain brand equity by MRF in Indian cricket and we associate with cricketers. We always look forward to long-term arrangement with our brand ambassadors."