Gambhir should have stayed for more time !!

Gautam Gambhir hit his first ODI century against Australia on Sunday, but the Delhi batsman rued not staying on in the middle for a little longer to guide his side to a memorable victory in the crucial cricket tri-series match here.

"No excuses, I should have batted for a couple of overs more. I think we could have chased down the (Australian) total but I and (M S) Dhoni were out at wrong time," said Gambhir, who hit a 119-ball 113.

"If I had been there till the 44th over, the result could have been different," he added.

Gambhir said despite India were 51 for 4 at one time, he and skipper Dhoni never panicked.

Check here for Gambhir innings :

"I and Dhoni thought we could chase down the total if we have wickets in hand. We thought we could bat cautiously for some time and shift the gear in the last 10-12 overs if we have wickets.

"We also consider the change of ball in the 34th over and we thought that would also help us, but unfortunately he (Dhoni) was out in the 32nd over. Even after that there was chance and I should have batted a little longer.

"I was a little tired and a bit cramped, but should have remained a little longer," said Gambhir, who has become the highest run-getter of the tri-series with 359 runs.

Gambhir said a lot of positives came out of the match for his side and that should fire up them against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

"The next game is important. Our performance today would give us lots of confidence against Sri Lanka. We have to win the match to reach the final," he said.

Gambhir said his century on Sunday and the fine form he has been in the tri-series would help him take his game to the next level.

"When you are touring Australia for the first time you have doubts of your abilities because of the wickets, conditions and competitive atmosphere. I am happy to have come out good and hope this helps me take my game to the next level," he said.