This Indian team wears a new look

By Vijay Lokapally

HARARE, MAY 26. Indian cricket will be entering a new phase with the tour to Zimbabwe. This season holds lot of promise, lot of hope, all based on a sound belief that the potential is flowing in abundance and needs to be channalised. With a professional like John Wright in-charge there is reason to look at things positive, as far as the team is concerned.

The process of transition had been set in motion much before the match-fixing scandal took its toll. The loss of Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja did give a bad image to the team but then efforts have been made to erase the bitter past and write a new chapter in camaraderie off the field and consistency on it.

There is a refreshing change in the attitude, even if not all conform to the modern thinking of being fit and focussed all the time. The distractions come in various forms and shapes, mostly from the commercial world where agents have greater access to players than many connected with the game.

It is in this area that the players need to be wary of as they prepare for a gruelling season, which carries them to places like Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies and England.

This Indian team wears a new look. The character of the side is marked by the presence of youth. Sachin Tendulkar and Javagal Srinath are the veterans but then the latter, given the taxing schedule the team has over the next twelve months, will have to monitor his physical state more carefully. Not that he is under any pressure from the presence of four other seamers on this tour but the expectations from Srinath will be far greater, now that Venkatesh Prasad has been confined to the sidelines.

It is another matter that Prasad might have fared better on the seaming tracks here. It is hard to comprehend his absence, much of it being due to his own making though. He might still make it for the one-day series to keep his stakes alive for the season ahead. If not for Tests, he can be useful in one- dayers with his slow stuff.

An opportunity for Nehra

For someone like Ashish Nehra, the gangling seamer from Delhi, this could be a very useful and educative tour. Watching the seniors from close should enable him pick valuable lessons in commitment and professional. And fitness too.

It will help Nehra if he remembers what his coach at Sonnet, Tarak Sinha, has been telling him. ``Make use of the opportunities that come your way. Very few get this far and a place in the Indian side is a grand feat. Make use of your talent properly,'' says Tarak Sinha, the man responsible for shaping the career of this left-arm seamer.

After an impressive debut against Sri Lanka at Colombo in the Asian Test championship, Nehra strove for opportunities. He was plagued with injuries too and spent a fortune on medical expenses for an ankle injury. ``It was hard but I learnt so much during those difficult days,'' confessed Nehra, who travelled to England for a surgery. Pakistani off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq had had similar problems and had recommended this treatment to Nehra.

Backed by his coach, and some well-wishers, Nehra did not give up his pursuit and it was a pleasant surprise when he was picked for the camp at Bangalore. His career got a boost when the selectors picked him ahead of Venkatesh Prasad. In terms of match-winning skills, Nehra might have a long way to go but is rated high by skipper Sourav Ganguly. ``He can develop into a match-winner. He is a deceptive bowler and looks a very good prospect,'' was Ganguly's assessment. Accuracy is what Nehra needs to improve, along with the attitude. Known to be laidback, he would stand to gain a lot if he pays attention to Bishan Singh Bedi's advice ``to perform well, you have to be hundred per cent fit.'' To be hundred per cent fit, one has to be hundred per cent committed. Nehra promises to change and improve.

For Badani, the learning process continues

For Hemang Badani, the left-hander from Tamil Nadu, the learning process continues with this tour. The gifted cricketer from Tamil Nadu has made it through the grind, working his way up the ladder in a very calculated manner. The opportunities came Badani's way in spells but he grabbed them like a seasoned performer and made a big impression on seasoned critics in the commentary box.

``A very good player,'' was how Tony Greig welcomed this left- handed strokemaker. With a wide range of shots to play, a batsman like Badani can adapt to all conditions. He has the right approach too-discipline and committment.

Having come through the grind, Badani is aware of the value of a place in the Indian team. ``I'm far more disciplined and far more focussed,'' he says with lot of determination in his voice. It gives an interesting insight to his thinking, for he is known to be a batsman who constantly reviews his stay at the crease and brings in innovations to suit the need of the situation.

Badani was always a well-organised cricketer but his stints in international cricket have taught him to be more determined. Watching Tendulkar, Ganguly and Rahul Dravid from close quarters have instilled greater self-confidence. As he says ``I've learnt to be more disciplined and I'm far more focussed now. Each and very innings is very important for me. I've changed.''

What would be the most significant change in Badani's approach to the game? ``I never used to put a price on my wicket in Ranji Trophy matches but it's not the same now. In any match, the bowlers has to earn my wicket. He has to know what my wicket doesn't come without an effort. My wicket is valuable and I've realised this in the last season.''

Badani has a resolve for this season. ``I won't be rash anymore.'' That could be bad news for the bowlers.

``I want to make a mark,'' says Nehra. That could be bad news for the batsmen.

Of course, these two inspired cricketers are geared up but will have to wait for the opportunities. Given the present state of the team, Nehra and Badani may have to wait on the sidelines. But it does not really matter. They are determined and importantly, age is on their side.

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