BANGALORE, June 9 (Agencies) : Describing as "healthy" the heightened competition for slots of seamers in the national team, pace bowler Ajit Agarkar today said the emergence of talented bowlers has made him more motivated to get back into the squad.
Agarkar, who is here attending the fitness camp for pace bowlers, told reporters that he was working hard.
"It's not up to me whether I get picked or not.
My job is to do what I can do best and work on my game and try to improve.
That's what I am trying to do", he said.
Asked if he felt "overshadowed" by young pacers like L Balaji and Irfan Pathan, he said "competition is always healthy." "I have gained a lot of confidence after the Australian trip...so, I am looking to carry that forward", he said.
"I guess when you are not in the team, that gives you the extra motivation to do well and get back (into the team)...probably prove to yourself that you are good enough to be at that level." "I have always said playing for India is probably easiest way to motivate yourself.
It's not difficut at all".
"It (competition) is always well for the team that there are five or six guys who actually fight for spots in the team.
It always keeps you on your toes.
I always say I don't worry about what someone else does or wants to do.
I just worry about what my job is and how well I can do it", Agarkar said.
"It's always nice.
They (Balaji and Pathan) have done fantastically well since the Australia trip.
It only helps the side..if there are more guys performing at the same time".
Asked if he is confident of getting a slot in the team, Agarkar laughed off the question, saying it should be addressed to the selectors or captain Sourav Ganguly.
"I missed most of the Pakistan series because of injury.
I just played one Test...it's new season now....we got down to fitness training..
that (whether he would be selected or not) is not in my hands.
That's something I don't worry about".
Asked if he is completely fit now, he said "absolutely".
Agarkar said he had lots of personal goals for the coming season but would keep them to himself.
He said he has used the off-season working on his weaknesses, minimising injuries and stay fit for longer period of time.