Letter of the Day

Srinath's Omission

I was quite surprised to view the results to the poll "Is the decision to keep Javagal Srinath out of the ODI team correct?" in favour of the selectors decision. Are we saying that the selectors have gotten it right this time? Obviously we are.

When I heard about Srinath's omission from the list of 20 probables, I was shocked. Not that I am a big fan of Srinath, but the decision just stunk of the Board's high handedness. They wanted to send a simple message.

No player no matter how valuable, dare express any preference to how they would want to play out the remainder of their cricketing career. My thoughts were instantly collaborated by the statements made by Ashok Malhotra after the selection.

Lets examine Srinath's circumsatnces. He is 32, certainly not getting any younger for a fast bowler. He has been plagued by injuries. India plays way too much cricket for the players liking. In fact, the top issue brought up at the recently held captains meeting at the Lords, was too much cricket.

Srinath has opted out of Test cricket. Dont know the reason, but I would venture to guess that he wanted to pace himself for the rest of his career. Back to back Test matches can be very gruelling. So he wanted to strike a balance. He still wants to play cricket. He wanted to eliminate some risk of injury. Unless there is an ulterior motive behind his decision that I am not aware of, his decision sounds pretty reasonable to me. Lets respect his decision.

The two forms of the game are clearly different from each other. We select different teams. Some countries even have different captains. So when you select a team for the next one day series, consider Srinath available. For the next Test series, he is not. Lets allow our players to make the choice that Srinath has made. Why do we view such decisions as disrespectful, unpatriotic?

I am sure Srinath is smart enough to realise that if he decides to return to Test cricket, he may not be selected. Somebody else may come along, prove themselves, and take his place. Just ask some of the English players who refused to tour India. Srinath also doesent get paid when he doesent play. Haven't we seen time and time again players producing fitness certificates when their injuries have not fully healed.

They just cant afford to lose their spot in the team. How did India discover Mongia, Kaif and Yuvraj? We discovered them because they were given an opportunity to play because of other's injuries. Aren't we better of when we have system where there are opportunities to try out new faces. It keeps our veteran cricketers on their toes. Srinath opting out of Tests has opened up a spot for grabs, and thats a good thing for Indian cricket.

I am going to go as far as to suggest that a player may choose to opt out of a series in either version of the game. It gives the player the rest that they want.

The player clearly risks losing that spot permanently and he certainly is getting paid. It is a risk that he has chosen to take and thats okay. It opens up a spot to try some new talent. It makes for interesting selection and interesting cricket. This might be a good poll question. Next time, you readers better vote my way, or I threaten to write!

Joy Raman