Of more importance, his name figured in the list of 19 World Cup probables, and he was called up for the forthcoming triangular one-day series.

A crescent-moon stud decorating his left ear, a smile adding shine to his cropped look, Kambli said at the prize ceremony, ``It always makes me glad to see Shardashram win.''

Kambli shared the dais with chief guest and chairman of the selection board Ajit Wadekar, and another Mumbai southpaw Jatin Paranjpe.

Then, after taking blessings from school coach Ramakant Achrekar, and having satisfied a horde of autograph hunters, he was willing to talk to reporters. ``The selectors have shown trust in me. I'm very happy to be back in the Indian squad,'' Kambli said.

``The past one year has been tough. I have worked hard on getting the leg into shape and must thank my doctorsfor the way they treated me.'' He was also grateful of the wishes he received from fans and friends, including members of the Indian team, especially schoolmate Sachin Tendulkar.

Asked if he would be short of match practice, Kambli responded in the negative. ``I have been playing domestic cricket all these months. I am confident and raring to go.''

There were talks, after the physical examination on Monday, that Kambli had not recovered completely. He was reportedly `huffing and puffing' through the fielding session. Kambli explained, ``I want to clarify this. During the fielding session, the ball was being hit to all corners. I was picking and returning them. When you practise with a team, you get time to relax, as there are seven or eight others with you in the session, and each one gets a break to recover his breath. Here, I got no such break so it was tiring. The exam was quite tough.''

Kambli said the team physio Andrew Kokinos had given him a training schedule for the next few days. He added hewould be playing a couple of local matches, too. ``I look forward to that match,'' he said.

Asked about his chances of making the final 15 for the World Cup, in the wake of tough competition, he said, ``I don't believe in competition. I always believe in doing my best and taking whatever chances I get.''

And his attitude, if he was selected? ``I have played in England earlier. It will be cold and we have to adjust to the climate. The Board is planning to send the team there early for an acclimitisation camp. After that, it is how you apply yourself.

``The previous World Cup I had left the field crying, this time, I would like to come out in a happy mood, with a win,'' the southpaw said.