Idolising Rahul Dravid, and reading autobiographies of Ricky Ponting (At the Close of Play) and Michael Clarke (My Story) are all that keep Priyank Panchal going.

The promising opener, now part of the India A squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, is striving to take his game to the next level and being a strong contender for the India senior team.

At the same time, he doesn’t want to complicate things at all by thinking too much of a Team India call-up.

“I’m not really under any kind of pressure. I have reached this stage only because of my performance, which matters most.

“Whichever team I play for, I need to perform and help the team win the game,” the Gujarat opener, here for the Ranji Trophy game versus Bengal, said at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

“I am happy that I am a part of this competition (for India slot). For me, scoring consistently is more important and I am focusing on that.”

Ritwik may debut

With Sudip Chatterjee dropped, Bengal may hand Ritwik Roy Chowdhury a Ranji Trophy debut in the clash versus Gujarat beginning Friday.

“There’s a definite chance of Ritwik’s debut. He’s the first in line,” a team source said.

Ritwik has so far played six List A and 14 T20s for Bengal.

The game, meanwhile, will also witness South African Lubabalo Gcuma as one of the on-field umpires.