'No Regrets'

Opener Aakash Chopra said even though he was"disappointed" at being dropped for the series-decider againstPakistan, he did not have any regrets as the decision had been taken in the bestinterests of the team.

Chopra was ignored for the third Test at Rawalpindi toaccommodate Yuvraj Singh who had substituted for Saurav Ganguly, returning tothe side after missing the first two Tests due to an injury.

"I was disappointed but I never felt I was donein. I have no regrets at all for missing the Test as the team's interest is moreimportant than individual feelings. I am happy that we could win theseries," Chopra said.

The Rawalpindi Test saw wicketkeeper-batsman ParthivPatel open the innings and impressed one and all with his career-best 69.Patel's success at the top of the batting order is certain to lead to a problemof plenty for the selectors when they meet to pick the team for India's nextTest series -- against Australia at home in October.

But Chopra was undaunted, saying "They (selectors)know my capabilities and my strengths. So I won't go beyond what the captaintold the media yesterday," the 26-year-old opener said referring toGanguly's comments in Kolkata that Patel would not open the innings henceforth.

Chopra, who started his international career last year, said the Pakistan tourwas a "memorable one" but the series in Australia had offered"tougher challenges."

 "The Pakistan trip was brilliant and I amproud to be a part the team that made history. We went there after 15 years andwon a series for the first time... it's quite memorable," said the playerwho has so far featured in eight Test matches.

"It's memorable quite like the Australian tour.But in Australia conditions were totally different and it was a tough challenge.Being an opener it was even more testing," he said.

Like the rest of his team-mates, Chopra was overwhelmedwith the reception the side enjoyed in Pakistan during the 39-day tour. "Itwas a fantastic feeling. Their hospitality was terrific and it was anoverwhelming experience."

To utilise the break from international commitments, theDelhi player is planning to play for a premier cricket club in England. "I'dbe going to England and would be playing for the Rochdale Cricket Club incentral Lancashire," he said.

PTI