Bangladesh pacer Rubel Hossain yesterday admitted that he was disappointed for having been left out of the squad for the India Test. The pacer however claimed that the move had made him a lot more determined to put in a stellar performance in the ODI series, which begins on June 18.

Having struggled due to the dearth of fit pacers during the Pakistan Tests, Bangladesh's team management hoped to resolve the issue ahead of the India Test. And that was the reason why a special emphasis was placed on the likes of Shafiul Islam and Rubel who had to follow their respective rehab schedules during the short break after the Pakistan series.

While Shafiul was deemed to have recovered from a hand injury, his personal decision not to take part in the Bangladesh Cricket League's final round might have stalled his progress into the Test squad.

Rubel, on the other hand, as per coach Chandika Hathurusingha's words, was rested in a bid to keep him fresh for the ODIs. They also didn't want to take the risk of playing the pacer, who has just recovered from a side strain, on a flat Fatullah track.

"I am good at the moment. I have recovered. There's nothing to worry," Rubel told The Daily Star yesterday over phone from team hotel when questioned about the state of his fitness levels. "I won't say that I am not fully fit, but for a Test match one needs to have an extra amount of preparation," he further explained.

The pacer, who has been punching in extra hours in the gym lately, hopes to turn his fortunes in the coming weeks.

"Bangladesh does not get to play too many Tests, so obviously I am a little disappointed to miss out. But there's nothing I can do now."

"All I am looking forward to is the ODI series. I want to be completely ready and match-fit by the time the ODIs begin. I really want to put in a good performance against India," said Rubel.

Acing the ODIs of course is only the pacer's short-term target. South Africa are scheduled to arrive here barely two weeks after the India series to play two T20Is, two Tests and three ODIs; and Rubel aims to be fit for the entire tour.

"I wasn't selected for the Test match, but it's not as though I don't see a future for myself in this format of the game. I already have the South Africa Tests in my mind and I am going to do everything I can to be completely ready for that," said the pacer.

India and Bangladesh will face off in three ODIs scheduled to take place on June 18, 21 and 24 and if everything goes as per Rubel and the team management's plans, the pacer will make his first appearance of the tour then.

If the Tigers manage to win at least one match in that series, they will overtake the West Indies, who are currently ranked seventh in the ICC rankings.