From the publishers of THE HINDU Vol. 24 :: No. 44 :: Nov. 03 - 09, 2001	Home Contents
	LETTERS Highly unpredictable Sir, - Indian cricket is more unpredictable than the weather. One day we bowl out Kenya for 90 runs and win by 10 wickets. Then we lose to the same team by 70 runs. We have two century partnerships against South Africa and lose both the matches. As usual it's a tale of middle order muddles. We have the best opening batsmen in the world in one-dayers and the worst opening attack. It is time we take a look at our opening attack (the word attack is a misnomer). We conceded 119 runs in 18 overs against South Africa. Srinath is well and truly over the hill, lock stock and barrel. Ajit Agarkar's physical frame prevents him from shining as a fast bowler. At best, he can be a support bowler and can also be used as a pinch-hitter on rare occasions. Anil Kumble has lost his guile and is hammered all over the park. The writing is on the wall and these three are Non Performing Assets, to use a banking parlance. Players with shoulder, lower back, groin and calf problems will never, repeat never, make the grade. We have to relieve them and look for young cricketers with potential who can be groomed. Isn't it better to fail with young talent than with seasoned ones? The selection committee will do well to think ahead with the World Cup looming large. On the other hand, it was a real treat to watch the Irani Trophy game between Baroda and the Rest of India. Batsmen Dinesh Mongia, Connor Williams, Ajay Ratra and the Very Very Special Laxman displayed their wares in high fashion, while bowlers Rakesh Patel and Sarandeep Singh, bowled commendably. However, what impressed me most was the field placement by both captains. It was highly professional and several shades better than the national squad placements. All the above players need a look in and Tinu Yohannan deserves to be encouraged. We are on the look out for tall fast bowlers. Here is a 21-year-old crying for attention. The height and pace are already there. He only has to be guided. I hope the selectors will take more than a cursory interest in the not so tiny Tinu. I am told there is a Prashant Menon who can be groomed with the pace pack. He is from the South Zone. Let us hope that those who have displayed their talent would be given a fair trial. We have the potential and the tap is not dry of talent. Will the selection committee pick up the cue or back and whip the old warhorses who seem to be crying, Enough!! M. G. MENON, TRIPUNITHURA A fantastic piece Sir, - I would like to say a word or two about Harsha Bhogle's column ("The dreaded last week of September", Oct. 13, 2001). It was really fantastic. He was 100 per cent right, when he says that the keenness shown during the elections is not to be seen when it comes to administration. With a few exceptions, most of the stadiums are poorly maintained. Facilities for the spectators are really pathetic forgetting the fact that it's the spectators who bring in the revenue to a large extent. Navjot Sidhu was 100 per cent right in his column (Oct. 13, 2001), when he described Madhavrao Scindia as a stalwart who deeply loved cricket. Yes, what Indian cricket needs today are administrators like Scindia, who see the game above 'other' things. Money-minded cricket officials of today should take a leaf out of Scindia's book and change themselves. I was saddened by Atherton's retirement from Test cricket. But now, through The Sportstar (Oct. 20, 2001) it's heartening to know that one can see Atherton again, even though in a different role as a commentator. I hope he will show the same commitment, he had shown as a cricketer, in his new role. Congrats to Geet Sethi for winning the World billiards championship for the umpteenth time. Geet has proved that, if there's a will there's a way, even when fighting against age. Determination seems to be his watchword. Thanks to The Sportstar too, for the good coverage of the billiards championship. VIMAL KUMAR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM Found wanting Sir, - In The Sportstar dated October 13, the interview with Javagal Srinath made fine reading. One must appreciate Srinath's honesty in admitting that he doesn't belong in the same class as Glenn McGrath. There's a sea of difference between McGrath and Srinath. Over the years, Srinath has been found wanting on critical occasions for India. Though he has been a faithful servant for Indian cricket at best he can be described as a mediocre bowler. His performance in the recent Tri-series in South Africa bears testimony to the fact that he hasn't been able to bring his vast experience into play while bowling for India. RAVI BHATIA, UDAIPUR Pollock's achievement Sir, - The South African pace ace Shaun Pollock claimed his 200th wicket in one-day cricket by dismissing Javagal Srinath in the second one-dayer against India in the recent Tri-series. Heartiest congratulations to the fine bowler. Accuracy has been the forte of this crafty, intelligent bowler. This man exudes calm and is usually unflustered even in tight situations. He also is single-minded in his pursuit. If he goes on in this vein he is likely to surpass many other cricketing legends. ANIRBAN SARKAR, RAIGANJ Contents • Daily Sports • The Hindu • Business Line • Frontline • Home Copyrights © 2001 The Sportstar Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Sportstar.