With a spring in their steps and hopes galore, the rookies in the Indian team are aspiring to make their national call up memorable by chipping in scintillating performances in the Bangladesh tri-series. Elated with their inclusion in the Indian side, three of the newcomers - young paceman Avishkar Salvi, Delhi opener Gautam Gambhir, and middle order bat Abhijit Kale -- are upbeat about winning the Dhaka tourney beginning on Friday.

"We will put in our best efforts. We are a good side and capable of winning the championship," was the common refrain of Salvi, Gambhir and Kale, minutes before leaving for the airport from the team hotel here today. Not accustomed to the continuous glare of television cameras and the mad scramble from newspersons for quotes, they seemed awed by the occasion. "Being a part of the Indian team is a great experience. I am very positive about the Dhaka meet," said Salvi, who hogged the limelight after finishing as the highest Indian A wicket-taker with a rich haul of 31 scalps during the side's recent tour to West Indies.

Salvi's exploits drew praise from coach Ashok Malhtora, and impressed skipper Sourav Ganguly, who pitched for his inclusion. Gambhir, who regards Ganguly as his idol, said it would be a dream come true to open the batting with the Indian captain. However, with Ganguly saying at the airport that vice captain Virender Sehwag was sure to come as one opener, one doubts whether Gambhir's dream would be realised. Gambhir, another success story in the Caribbeans emerging as the top scorer for India A aggregating 617 runs, said he was optimistic about continuing with the purple patch in Dhaka.

Kale, now 31 years, said he was expecting a berth in the national squad for quite some time. "'I have been playing consistently for the past couple of years. I was hoping to be included in the national side," he said. Another youngster, but a regular in the Indian team, Yuvraj Singh almost echoed the new players. "We have a well-balanced side. I feel we have every chance of returning with flying colours," the dashing batsman said.

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