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Srinath, Kumble determined to bring back World Cup

By S. Dinakar

TERRIFIC TWOSOME: The genial Anil Kumble (left) and Javagal Srinath, who have done yeoman service to Indian cricket, snapped during nets at Auckland on Tuesday. The veteran Karnataka duo is keen to do well in South Africa as India strives to regain the World Cup. — Photo: N. Balaji

Auckland Dec. 24. Even as the Indians sweat it out in the nets outside the Eden Park Stadium, here, on Tuesday, a suburban train streaks past us on a nearby track. For the train and its passengers, it's another journey, another destination.

And then, we see two old warriors stretching every sinew of theirs, in a bid to get ready for another challenge. For Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble, it's another venue, another opponent.

Like the train, they move on in their cricketing journey, to different destinations, different battles. And they have a great goal - the World Cup.

Says Srinath to The Hindu — "This series will be a good platform for us before the World Cup. I know I will be competing with the young guys but competition brings the best out of you.''

He goes on, "I can do everything, even put my life on the line, if it can win for India the World Cup. Winning the World Cup, there is no parallel to it. That's the attitude I am taking with me into the series against New Zealand. Make sure that I try everything here that will enable me to do well in the World Cup.'' Rarely has this simple man spoken with so much passion.

It's no different with Kumble. "You cannot think of the World Cup now, although it is only a month away. We have seven important matches before us here. But it's important for us to jell together before the World Cup. The World Cup is going to be huge. Everyone is expecting a lot from the Indian team. I hope that we deliver. Hopefully, I will be a part of the team that goes on to win the World Cup.''

Both have mutual admiration and respect for each other. "We made our Ranji Trophy debut together for Karnataka, and since then we have shared several moments together, been on winning sides, and it's wonderful to be back here with Sri,'' says Kumble.

Srinath too has warm words to say about his mate. "Anil is a great fighter. People have said things about his bowling, said he was limited, but he has still emerged as one of the top spinners in the world. That's what I like in Kumble, that never-say-die attitude. No matter the state of the game, he still fights back. At the end of the day, he has won so many games for the country.''

With loads of experience, these two quality performers have over 1000 international wickets between them, and there they were in Eden Park, as comrades in arms, joining forces for yet another battle. Both, realise that the seven-match one-day series, that precedes the World Cup, would be a demanding one.

Srinath warns it will not be easy. "The series against New Zealand will be ideal preparation for us before the World Cup. They are a tough side, have several useful players.''

Kumble observes, "Obviously they have a good one-day side. They will miss Cairns and Harris because of injuries, but they fight well. They did well in Australia, knocked out Australia in the Carlton and United series. They are used to this format and have the home advantage.''

This season Kumble reached the rare landmark of bagging 300 Test and ODI wickets. "Pretty satisfying it was. You keep crossing milestones during your career. This was special.''

The leggie feels the pitches for the ODIs would be different. "The one-day wickets in all probability will be good batting wickets. Last time we played here, there were a couple of wickets that were slow. The pitch, here, in Auckland was on the slower side. It is likely that the wickets for the one-dayers would be batting friendly. We could see a lot of runs being scored. The grounds are also small in New Zealand.''

How does he look at his role? "In one-day cricket, the spinners have to bowl a good line and length. That's how we have got to see it. It's about handling the pressure situations.''

He believes the Indians have put behind them the disappointments of the Test series. "That is behind them. It was a tough series, the wickets were slightly damp. One-day cricket is totally different. We have done well in the recent past so we will take a lot of confidence from what we've achieved this year. Take it from there.''

Srinath, who made a return to international cricket during the series against West Indies at home, reveals he was happy with the way he bowled in the ODIs, though the wickets were placid.

"Personally, I would not be so easily happy with my performance. I think it was okay, it was not too bad. Three or four games I bowled well. The last two games were high scoring ones, and I went for few. The one-dayers in India were really tough. Really harsh on the bowlers. I really feel sorry for newcomers like Balaji and the other bowlers. There was very little room for fast bowlers to make an error. The good balls will be hit for a six. Those guys who emerge as good bowlers under those conditions will survive for long.''

He has plenty of experience behind him now. What are the requisites for a paceman to succeed in the ODIs? "Reading the wicket is very important. So is understanding the field placements and the strengths of the batsmen. The variations depend on the batsmen you are bowling at. There are so many things here. The learning process in fast bowling is never ending. In one-day cricket, you may not be able to get a wicket, but at least you must be able to contain. Containment could be the means to getting a wicket.''

He is as keen as ever to perform well. "I have to put my experience to best use. Make sure that I deliver.''

So too is Kumble. "the ball is coming nicely out of my hands. I am confident.''

For Srinath and Kumble, the journey continues. It's a different destination, and a different challenge. The train moves along.

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