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I'm cornered but not a coward: Gambhir's dig at Kohli?

Last updated on: September 13, 2016 18:06 IST

IMAGE: Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir in a verbal duel during IPL 2013.

Snubbed by the selection committee for the upcoming home Tests series against New Zealand, former India opener Gautam Gambhir vented his frustration on Twitter.

The Delhi batsman displayed phenomenal form in the ongoing Duleep Trophy, scoring four half centuries (77, 57, 90 and 94) while leading India Blue in the tournament, which features the country's leading cricketers.

"I'm disappointed but not defeated; I'm cornered but not a coward. Grit my partner, courage my pride...for, I must fight, I must fight," he tweeted on Tuesday.

IMAGE: India discard Gautam Gambhir was the world's number one Test batsman in 2009. Photograph: Tony Marshall/Getty Images.

Despite a string of good scores in domestic cricket and finishing as the fourth-highest run-getter in the 2016 Indian Premier League, the selectors continue to exclude the 34-year-old batsman while giving multiple chances to under-performing Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, who enjoy the backing of India's Test captain Virat Kohli.

Gambhir was involved in several on-field altercations with Kohli in past Indian Premier League seasons.

Now, by mentioning that he has been ‘cornered’, is he implying that his troubled past with Kohli is costing him a place in the national team?