The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Venu in search of a big knock

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 27, 2006

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Sport - Cricket

Venu in search of a big knock

Principal Correspondent

HYDERABAD: He is determined to put an end to the in-and-out episodes with the Indian senior cricket team by leading from the front on the trip Down Under this week and is aiming for an impressive performance against Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand `A' in the triangular series.

Captain of India `A', Y. Venugopala Rao believes that one big knock from him will make all the difference.

"I know that I failed to convert good starts into big scores. Definitely, I have not lived up to expectations," he confessed. But at the same time, Venu does not want to blame anyone for his failure to capitalise on the chances that have come his way in the 16 one-day internationals he played, aggregating 218 runs with an average of 24 and a career-best score of 61 not out against Pakistan.

"I don't think the batting slot is a cause of worry. Obviously, I cannot say I will bat at a given slot only. Once you are representing the country, you have to face the reality and make most of the chances that come your way," says Venu.

Happy with technique

Venu, who is only the second cricketer from Andhra to represent India, insists that he does not need to make too many adjustments in his batting technique.

"Even Rahul Dravid and Greg Chappell have repeatedly said that I have the game, but all I need is to score runs and forget about other things," he recalls. "I try to be positive and am really keen to make a mark in international cricket," he added.

"Fortunately, I am working with Robin Singh (coach of India `A'), who is a 24x7 type of cricketing personality. He is a strict disciplinarian on the field and very friendly off it. It helps us to work on our strengths and weaknesses," says Venu.

How significant is the Australian `A' tour for him and the team? "It presents a wonderful opportunity for the all the fringe players to prove a point or two and get back into the Indian team," says Venu.

But he insists that his poor run in the one-dayers is only a lean patch and nothing else. Venu treats this as a big challenge, which makes him mentally stronger.

Immediate plans

"World Cup is too far away, but the next target is to play for India in the forthcoming triangular series in Sri Lanka." Venu says that he is still in search of a big score in international cricket and has immense pride in playing along with his childhood hero Sachin Tendulkar.

On India `A's camp which concluded here, Venu said the focus was on fitness and team unity. "We hope to translate whatever we learnt here into good performances on the Australian tour," Venu signs off.

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