For a player in and out of the national team, every game in any format is an opportunity to remind the selectors of his presence. And so it is for Kiwi all-rounder James Franklin of the Mumbai Indians as he prepares for the forthcoming Champions League T20 tournament.

Having been left out of the New Zealand central contract, the 30-year old Franklin is only too determined to get the spotlight trained on him when he turns out for Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings next weekend.

“The conditions would be tough here, as it always had been. I have been training hard for the series, and would like to see the outcome of my training. I have lost weight, and I’ll push myself, though I had never been express quick,” said Franklin at a media interaction here on Sunday.

Though he did not specifically refer to his omission from the Kiwi contract nor was he asked about it, Franklin is aware that a strong performance in the Champions League will serve the dual purpose of helping the Mumbai Indians and also his own cause.

“I am happy I could contribute for the team in the IPL and would certainly like to carry on the good effort into the Champions League as well. I would be happy if I can contribute with the bat as well as the ball, and help my team win matches. I am looking forward to the match against Chennai Super Kings next week,” he said.

Regarding Sachin Tendulkar’s likely absence owing to injury, Franklin said: “He is a massive player and had a great IPL. So we will definitely miss him, but it is an opportunity for someone else to step up and prove his worth.”