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[aryan]

CHENNAI: On their last tour of Sri Lanka, Ajantha Mendis tortured the Indians in the Tests with his mystery deliveries. But in the subsequent

One-Day Internationals, India reversed the result as they handled the spinner effectively and won the series.

Gautam Gambhir, one of the mainstays for India on that tour, is least worried that the spinner will be a factor as the Men in Blue prepare for a triangular series in Sri Lanka starting September 9.

"Mendis had his say in the Tests but you have seen how we beat them in the One-Day Internationals twice after that," emphasised the Indian opening batsman on the sidelines of a function here on Friday.

The Indian, who has been nominated for two ICC awards, made it clear that his association with MRF will be initially on tyres and tubes.

"I have my contract with Reebok for another year and I will not be using MRF (sticker) on the bats until my contract with them is over," explained Gambhir to TOI.

Gambhir said he is under no pressure of filling the shoes of Sachin Tendulkar in the MRF house. "In fact, no-one can replace Tendulkar. I am happy to be associated with a legendary brand and I will gain confidence from the relationship with a great brand," said Gambhir and added that he followed motorsport, like any other sportsman. "I follow a bit of Formula One but we hardly get any time to follow any sport in detail," he said.

Gambhir warded off fears that withour Virender Sehwag India will be depleted. He admitted the dashing opener will miss the triangular series in Sri Lanka and India will miss him too but that should not deflate the team.

"In international cricket, it is natural that you will be under some pressure or the other. Sehwag should be back with the team for the Champions League."

The left-handed batsman said whoever bats at the other end, Sehwag or Tendulkar, it will provide exciting fare. "I am happy with both of them and when both were there I was even going down. The team is more important than the parts," he said.

Gambhir said the Corporate Trophy currently on in Bangalore is a good platform for the cricketers to get back in shape. "We have had a 45-day break from top-level cricket and this was a good way to come back from the holidays," he said.