Relaxed Gambhir looks to build on dream year

By N.Ananthanarayanan

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Gautam Gambhir remains committed to the relaxed approach that helped him end a dream 2008 as an established test opener.

The 27-year-old Delhi native struck three centuries in his last four tests in a team that utilised a fresh approach to plunder back-to-back home series victories over Australia and England towards the end of the year.

The left-hander amassed 1,134 runs from just eight tests in 2008, his sensational comeback ending the debate over his ability to carry his limited-over form into the test arena.

"I have got 27 first class hundreds, so there was no doubt about my ability," Gambhir told Reuters. "It was only that I had to work on the mental aspect of my game --- I just had to relax."

Gambhir's talent was obvious but doubts remained over his temperament after he made just three fifties and a solitary hundred against Bangladesh in his first 14 tests.

However, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's continual support helped him to play a vital role in India's triumph in the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in 2007.

Gambhir then scored two centuries to emerge the highest run-scorer in a rare tri-series victory in Australia in March.

"That tour was the turning point," he said. "When you go to Australia and play well in those conditions and come back as the highest run-getter in the triangular series (it boosts confidence)."