IBNLive Moderator: Hello and welcome to IBNlive Freedom Chat. Today, C Rajshekhar Rao, Editor, CricketNext.com, will answer all your questions on cricket and controversies. Over to Raj. Welcome aboard Raj.
Nauman: Why not we support ICL? What's the problem?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi Nauman, This is a good question to start the chat with. The BCCI is very wary of the ICL. The Board officials feel threatened by the ICL, probably because they know at the back of their mind that they have not been doing a professional job so far. In the end it is going to be people like you who will decide whether the ICL is a success. Like Kapil Dev said in an interview to us, if the people like how matches are organised and they get to see action, it might just be a success. My bet is that people will definitely like it.
Balaji: What do you think about Dravid not enforcing a follow-on?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: I think he played it too safe. He first wanted the series in the kitty and then the match.
Hi: Do you think Dravid is a good captain than Ganguly?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Only time will tell. Ganguly was the more aggressive of the two and he liked to show it. Dravid is also tough, believe me, it is just that the team had not been in rhythm till very recently.
Suri:12 runs, 96 balls. Have you ever seen an Indian captain play like that?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: I have seen this very batsman bat like this, that too in an ODI and against Bangladesh ! Just one of those times when he goes into a shell and makes proceedings a pain. But he is still our best Test batsman I would say. Let him get some runs and he will be a totally different bat.
Pranav: What is your view on the discussion that the indian team doesn't need a coach anymore and who do you think is a suitable coach for the Indian team?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Every team needs a coach. It is during tough times that you will need him and now when it's smooth sailing. I thought Whatmore was a good candidate but the players were worried that he would go the Greg Chappell way and show them the whip. Now a lot depends on who really is interested and not the other way round.
Azeeza Lateef: There is always controversy between the seniors players and youngsters. What do say that players like Ganguly, Sachin, Laxman must be given a chance?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi Azeeza, one has to get the right mix of seniors and youngsters. The seniors have proved to be a good bet in England, haven't they? I agree they have been nowhere near their best but have been good enough for Tests. But I think they should decide how long they want to play ODIs.
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Subhrajyoti: What do u foresee about ICL and BCCI? Do u think ICL will be successful?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Whether the ICL is a threat to the BCCI or not, the Cricket Board certainly thinks it is. All this while, they have been saying that they are not bothered by the ICL, but at the same time they have done everything possible to prevent people from joining the league.
There have been any number of private tournaments organised in this country over the years but never has the Board reacted in such manner. Not only did they not recognise it but also issued a whip to players, former players and officials to abstain from the parallel league or risk losing the benefits they get from the Board. If they are not worried about the Zee venture, why are they taking such extreme measures.
The fact of the matter is that Zee has shown initiative in Twenty20, which the Board has been neglecting all this while. The Zee's format has every chance of being successful, for however long that may be. It will be interesting to see how things unfold after the league actually starts. Will there be feelers for a compromise from either side or will both run side by side.
The ICL may not be a threat to the existence or even the success of the BCCI per se, but surely can make a small little place for itself. That would mean losing part of the revenue to Zee and the BCCI would certainly not like that.
Ravi1010: With the kind of scores that Sourav has been making since his comeback, do you in hindsight agree that he was treated badly. No politically correct answers please?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi Ravi, I will definitely not be politically right but say how things were mishandled. I thought Sourav was going through a tough time and should have left captaincy and concentrated on his batting like Chappell had said. But when he was played against Sri Lanka in New Delhi and had a second innings century partnership with Yuvraj, he had proved himself. Sadly, he was dropped for the next Test in Ahmedabad.
That is not how you treat a senior player. What was the criteria for his selection at Ahmedabad? A century at the Kotla? Was a fifty not good enough. Come on, give me a break, they wanted him to fail at Kotla so they could drop him and when that did not happen, were scared that he would score again at Ahmedabad. That was definitely politics. What we got was a Sourav Ganguly better than those on the bench but not half as good a batsman as he was. His confidence has been shattered. But I am still waiting for the day he will clobber spinners out of the ground.
Atul: Didn't your site quote Miandad saying that Yuvraj must play and Ganguly will fail? your comments on this.
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C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi Atul, You, like all other readers should realize that everything that is uploaded on our site is not our take. We got Miandad's thoughts to you and that is what our job is. But he was forthright, wasn't he ?
Balaji: Do you think India's opening woes are solved with Karthik performing consistently in the current tour of England?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Karthik is a great find but I think we should still look for a specialist opener in the long run.
Gowdhaman: Do you think Tendulker will play the next World Cup?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: I hope he doesn't. I would rather see him announce his retirement from ODIs some time soon and concentrate on Test cricket. That one great knock in Tests is still due from him.
K Pals: According to me, Dravid deserves the respect from the crowd. He averages almost 102 in the 21 Tests in which Ganguly captained India.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: You are bang on target. Dravid has had a hand in some splendid wins and even Sourav would acknowledge the fact that you have just mentioned.
R Shankar:< I still feel our India team does not have a great bowling combinations. Our pacers are not a match winners al the time. Why we fail to produce bowlers like McGrath, Vaas, Shaun Pollock, Ntini, Shane Bonds?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi Shankar, but when did we ever have a great pace attack ? I think we have been a little unlucky in this respect too. Bowlers have more often than not, crashed out with injuries or suddenly gone out of rhythm. The pace bowlers have to be really, really strong and we don't produce them like that. Of course, that is just the basic ingredient and that is where the journey just begins!
Akshay: What do you make of this series win, whether 1-0 or 2-0. Is this English attack any better than a first-class bowling strength of the top 10 state teams of India?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Akshay, India have been really lucky to be playing such an ordinary attack. I thought it was the combination of their weak bowling and our experienced batting that clinched it for us because Sachin, Sourav and Rahul knew how to handle such bowling. Things could have been very different if Harmison, Flintoff and Hoggard been around. But I thought Zaheer took the responsibility very well unlike most of his career.
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Akshay: Is it compulsory that you must enforce the follow-on just because you have a chance to do so. Do yo also weigh other factors like the bowlers' confidence and endurance when faced with such decisions?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Of course, the bowlers need rest and that is apparently what made Dravid make the decision. Put yourself in his place and think of the pros and cons of taking a decision either way! You will realise that probably even you would have done that.
Roshan: Why did India not enforce the follow-on against England in third Test?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: A series win abroad is more important than two Test wins!
Hi: Is it good to leave Irfan Pathan? He was once hyped as the good all-rounder?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi hi, I thought he should definitely have been on tour. He is our best swing bowler and is left twiddling his thumbs in swinging conditions. I hope he is back at his best soon. India need him very badly.
I am Vijay: Why so many officials from the West Zone now? Does Lalchand Rajput deserve to be the India coach, even if it is for Twenty20? What are his credentials to guide on Twenty20?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: I think it is back to those old days of West's dominance but the reasons only the BCCI would know. I wonder how many players from other zones were close to being considered. Rajput is just a stop-gap arrangement, just like Chandu Borde is. Whey even if it for Twenty20? It is a World Cup! But then, don't forget it is the BCCI.
Kavitamaske: Dravid is not a right captain then why he still in Indian cricket team?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Give him some more time Kavita. Who is the other contender anyway? Sourav? Sachin? Yuvraj is not even playing and I don't think Dhoni can handle a Test side from behind the stumps, that too so early in his career.
Ravi1010: Does not our performances post World Cup ( not much but good enough sample) vindicate the feeling that Greg Chappell was more a disaster than a success. Ravi Shastri had only positive things to say about the senior players. Your views please?
C. Rajshekhar Rao:Yes, Chappell did not gel well in the Indian system, but he was not responsible for India's loss to Bangladesh in the World Cup, was he? He did not tell the players to under perform, did he?
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Srikrishna: Hi,Rajesh....what is your opinion about skipper (Dravid) decision yesterday?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi Sri Krishna, The name's Rao. Rajshekhar Rao. Dravid played it too safe. Not to my liking.
Nagarajan: Cricket administrators are yet to make up their mind whether India needs Indian or Foreign coach. I think more than cricketers, cricket adminstrators in India needs a coach. What to you think?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Very right. Cricket administration is in a mess and the BCCI has cut a sorry figure time and again. The faster the BCCI decides to become professional, the better it will be. It should take a cue from the ICL, which is planning to employ cricketers in all important positions, not just for conduct of the games but even in administrative roles.
Most BCCI officials don't seem to be too bothered about the game as such, or rather, they don't really know what the needs of the system are. Someone who has played the game at every level knows the problems faced by cricketers. I would say the Board has done reasonably well over the years, but the needs are different now.
Not just cricket, the world has become more professional now. One has to move with the times. As for administrative jobs, it may not be necessary to have cricketers but they can certainly have professionals. People who have always been bothered about where the votes are going to come from, are not really the ones who should be taking professional decisions.
Krishna Jayanth: Do India have have the grit in them to win this match?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi, Quite a few Krishnas here, I see. I think now we have to see whether England have the grit to play through the day. India don't need grit, they need firepower!
Ananth: Hi Rajshekhar. Would you think that the same attack of Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth, RP Singh and Anil Kumble work wonders for India in Australia when we go down under this year?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Ananth, I think they are capable of bowling well in Australia, but don't forget they will be bowling to a different class of batsmen. That will be the real test because they can really demoralize any bowler.
Mayank Nigam: Hi Shekhar! I am an ardent cricket fan since I was 8 years and have followed the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid from the very beginning of their career. I understand that the bowlers need to be rested before asking them to have a go at english men again but what can we make out of the innings by rahul Dravid. (some odd 7-8 runs in a near 100 deliveries).
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C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi Mayank, It is fans like you who make cricket such a big success in the country. Dravid was too slow no doubt. Hope he doesn't repeat innings like these very often!
Jhumur: Can Sachin, Sourav deliver in Australia?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: It depends on how they use their experience. It won't be easy though. We will have to pray for a lot more injuries for the Australian bowlers!
Jag: I read your column on the Dream India XI post independence with great interest.In addition to the great players that make up any dream team I think the job of the "Indian cricket team" captain is most difficult job purely based on the task of forming a cohesive unit with set of players hailing from differnt regional backgrounds. And I think nobody did this better than Ganguly. Despite Sourav Ganguly not making the team , would you rate him a better captain compared to Kapil Dev (whose choice for captaincy was not justified in your column)?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi Jag, saw your question early on and was waiting to get to it. You are right, captaincy is not an easy job in India. Not only do you have to do the balancing act but also be ready to be castigated for your decision. Ganguly was a success because he was fearless and not parochial at all. He backed Harbhajan, Yuvraj, Zaheer, none of whom were from his state or even zone. He took Indian cricket to a different plateau for these reasons. I would say Ganguly had the edge over Kapil in captaincy. But Kapil, I think is really the best cricketer that we have ever produced.
Praveen: Hi Sekhar! Do you think Anil Kumble still has the ability to continue to play for India for another 2 years like Muralitharan. I feel India should include young spinners like Piyush Chawla immediately.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi Praveen, Kumble definitely has the ability to play for a couple of years, after all he is just playing Tests, no ODIs. But I think Chawla needs to be played in Tests. Why not along with Kumble. They are not the same type of bowlers, are they?
Ananth: Well my earlier question about the bowling line up was mainly targetted to know if we would need a different set of bowlers up front as there will be not much of swing for the bowlers after 15-20 overs and we need to have bowlers hitting the deck hard. I guess, Munaf Patel & Ajit Agarkar will be helpful more than RP and Sreesanth in Australia.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: I think Munaf is more of a swing bowler now than the pace bowler that he had started as. Do you think Agarkar will instill fear in Hayden, Hussey, Gilchrist and the lot? I think Sreesanth and Zaheer should be ok there.
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Ravi1010: What is the news on Balaji? Has his career ended? Is BCCI doing anything to get him back to normalcy given that we all hear that he has a bad injury?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: He has been dogged with injuries but we can hope to see him back in action this coming season. He is being attended to all right but getting into proper rhythm after such a long lay-off won't be easy for sure.
Ntshsahaimathur_2007: Can we win World Cup 2011?
C. Rajshekhar Rao:Why not? But don't you think we should wait for some time before speculating on what will happen four years from now?
Shashank: Why is that a decison which is taken by the captain and the team.being made a controversy.the desicion is being taken by a group and is not an individual desicion .the media is supose to be blamed for this?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi Shashank, It is a team management decision but the captain has the final say. The media might have played it up a little but then the decision itself was such that it had to raise a debate. Right or wrong can be a little subjective in such a scenario.
Ravi1010: Why are we so negative on india's chances in Aus...given that Aus will also be playing for the first time w/o McGrath,Warne,Langer and Martyn....knowing that they are gone for good ??!! ....and Gilly is almost 38?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: We are not negative but the Aussies don't miss many players and a superb show needs to be put up.
Apoorva: Do you think Bhajji would have made a diff on the last day of this test? What is Powar doing in the side if he cannot push Kumble for his place?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi, Bhajji is any day a better Test bowler than Powar and Kumble too is a better bowler when the 'turbanator' is around.
Ridhima: Do matches get fixed?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: It is hard to say whether matches actually get fixed but there are definitely a lot of rumours when there are close matches. The ICC has quite a stringent procedure in place to check the menace, but tell you what, when it happens, no one will know. It need not be the most dramatic or close match to be a 'fixed match'.
I think the mid and late 90s were the worst because we in the media used to hear a lot about the match-fixing business and players were linked to it. It was taken with a pinch of salt and matches used to become the butt of jokes, but when the match-fixing scandal actually broke out, we mediamen were really, really shaken. We used to wonder what the extent of match-fixing could be and whether we had been actually taken for a ride by cricketers.
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It was not a very good feeling you know, and I know some senior journalists almost went into a depression. When the average cricket fan is disheartened, imagine what someone who has been touring with the team for long, would feel like! I suppose the worst is over, but the ICC can never take this lightly because there are still people out there who want to strike a rapport with players and are willing to do anything to entice them.
Praveen: What is your views on BCCI to be made more open to public regarding their financial activities?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Accountability is something that the BCCI does not bother about. It is not a matter of financial bunglings but how they spend the money that is important. The BCCI announces money for state associations and it will actually be interesting to know how the state associations spend the money.
Ravi1010: Success has gone to Sreesanth's head and if he is not reigned in , may go the Laxman Sivaramakrishnan way....Yr views ?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Yes, he has to understand that bowling well is more important than other antics. In the end, that will decide whether he plays matches or not.
Kenny: Why tendulkar is not given lot of overs now-a-days. He is spinning the ball long way than other s in the team. If we have target like 500, you can even take some chances by giving him 10 to 15 overs and keep few people around the bat for edges.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Don't you think there is time in this match for him to roll his arm over? Let's wait and see, the odd breakthrough too would be great.
Vinod: With the Introduction of ICL, do you think there is a new hope for fresh faces in Indian Crikcet?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: If the BCCI does not consider them for selection, they will be restricted to playing the half-pyjama cricket. They can still entertain though!
pal: do you thing dhoni is capable for capatancy 20/20?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Why not? The shorter duration of the matches can be handled, I think. Not many people have the experience of leading in Twenty20 anyway !
Ananth: What according to you is the golden age of Indian Cricket? Was it under Kapil or Sourav or Azhar or any other period?
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C. Rajshekhar Rao: In one day cricket it was definitely in the mid 80s, not just under Kapil but also under Gavaskar. The World Cup, Asia Cup and World Championship titles in a span of two years is wonderfuly. Sourav's stint in
Tests was better because he won not just on tracks aiding spin.
Vij: Why do the Indian Team have such a negative attitude? The bowlers have performed through out and he captain/management had no confidence in them and did not enforced follow on. With that the win was a surelty but not its not. 2-0 is always better and convinicing then mere 1-0.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: It might have to do with fatigue. Otherwise, they should have given a follow-on.
Viral: Why does the BCCI want a Big Boy (As Coach) when fielding and bowling coach like Robin Singh & Venkatesh Prasad are doing a wonderful job, but hardly get noticed?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: You are right, we don't need a big name, we need a good coach. But where is he?
Ashok: What about Sachin Tendulkar's innings? Is sachin back to his best?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: I think Sachin's best is behind him but he can still go on for some time without being a liability. Sachin does not need any certificate from anyone and will do the best he can. But what everyone is thinking about is what is the best that he actually can do? Sachin has had such a long stint and it has taken a toll on his body. He may not be the same Sachin as before but there are not batsmen like him waiting on the benches.
But I would definitely have wanted to see him score some more great knocks, which somehow could not happen. But he will always be remembered as a great batsman for being consistent over so many years and that is no mean achievement either. Forget all the records, being there for so long is an achievement in itself and it is not any easier for a young batsman and he would have had withstood great pressures in his teens. I sometimes wonder how mature I was at the age at which Sachin first played for India.
Ravi1010: Thanks for answering so many questions...and yes...you are frank...not necessarily politically correct : ) That is why I like cricketnext.....thanks again.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Thanks to all of you for showing so much interest in this chat. Cricketnext is with the fans, for the fans and because of the fans. We are not fence-sitters and don't worry about criticism. We may be proved right or wrong but will remain unafraid.
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Ananth: I felt, Team India peaked very early before the world cup and that was one reason why we dint even cross the first hurdle in 2007 campaign for glory. Do you think, India is peaking early for the Australian tour in December? What do you think, will be the result down under as Shane Warne, Glenn Mcgrath, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn will be missed in the opponents ranks ?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Yes Ananth. You are right, we peaked too early for the World Cup. But the Australian tour is important but not a World Cup.
Akshay: I am Akshay : What will happen if we legalise sledging. Leave the microphones on and let the viewers judge for themselves.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: We can either legalise sledging or leave the microphones on. If we do both, young children will be learning too many new expletives !
Bharat: Even after all the match fixings we still have the longing to see Cricket matches, why?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: All matches were never fixed ! Moreover, the love for the game is so much in this country that it will continue to grow irrespective of match-fixing, world cup debacle, etc.
Kenny: I think sachin is not able to play his natural game because of the pressure imposed on him. If he is not scoring runs, people says he is useless. Even if he get runs, he is slow in getting runs. Now, there are lot of people in the team who can play responsible innings. Atleast give him freedom, he will surely entertain us with his natural game.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: I think the pressure is too much on Sachin and Sourav and now also on Rahul. He may not be brilliant right now, but he is still not doing too many things wrong, is he? We don't have good replacements, do we?
Sudarshan: Hi i am sudarshan from chennai.is that cricket in india has become an religion and many dedicate their life for indian cricket.and another question is that the decisions taken against the cricketers by BCCI who had joined ICL?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: We have made it a religion that cuts across religious lines ! Hail cricket ! The BCCI is scared no doubt.
Arijeet Dutta: How would you rate India's likely test series win in England.? Do still feel that India needs a foreign coach.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: A good team effort in England no doubt. No foreign coach comes with a gurantee card !
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Kandarp Shah: Rahul has proved enough times now that he lacks the agression and the strategy. shouldn't he face the music now. I think the captaincy is more anti ganguly rather than pro Dravid.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Ganguly was struggling as a batsman when he was removed from captaincy. Dada has better leadership ability but having given the reins to Dravid, we need to persist with him.
Vinu: Is it not demoralising for players when it is known that they are not in the team for next assignment? How do you react for announcing team before end of ongoing series?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: You are very right Vinu. In fact, what defies logic is the decision to announce the team before the last day of a selection match, which is always done in India. For example, the team being announced on the third or fourth day of the Irani Cup? Hell, what's the hurry to announce the team? What if someone comes up with a performance on the last day?
Shanno: Hi,Seeing the way Indian mens cricket team have performed in world cup and continuous better performance of Indian Womens cricket team .Do u think in future womens cricket will dominate Mens cricket.I think signs are already there with more and more sportswomen(like sania)are role becoming role models rather than male cricketers?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi Shanno, It is heartening to see women cricketers do well but I don't think they can pack so much action in a match so as to have spectators throng stadiums or stay glued to televisions.
Narayanan: during 2005 pakistan tour we had a gr8 bowler called Lakshmipathy Balaji, after tht tour he awas not named in the Indian Squad because he is injured. My question is why our BCCI is not taking care of these issues, like helping him outgetting rid of the injuries etc., because he was one of the succefull bowler, like this India has many examples but to avoid this no step has ben taken.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: He is on his way back and will be an extra option for India some time in the future. But he has been really, really, unlucky.
Ananth: How much do you think, India is prepared to comprehend the losses of Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman, Ganguly and Kumble. I guess all these senior folks will bid adieu international cricket around the same time and that is not very long?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: It is an ongoing process and we will surely find replacements if not such big stars. What do you think about Piyush Chawla? I think he can be a big star if nurtured well.
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Akshay: I am Akshay. Please put this series win in the right perspective and let us know through your esteemed column what have we gained by beating a depleted nd ordinary team like England. A team like Australia or South Africa would slam this same English side without mercy while we have had to pull all our resources to win a series.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi Akshay, You are very well prolific with your questions. It is a good win considering the recent slump in fortunes but not anything out of this world because England are not what they were two years ago during the Ashes series that they won. India have gained in confidence and it is not up to the Indian team to decide what the opposition puts up in terms of strength.
Ravi1010: Is Dravid a good captain...I think he has led enough for us to make a judgement. Your views, plz.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Good but not great.
Vinu: Wats wud be the result of today's match Draw or win for India?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: I think Kumble's magic with the ball is India's best hope to make it 2-0.
Krishna Jayanth: Why was Sreesanth is dropped from ODIs but selected for Twenty20 cricket> Do ypu say that this is a right on the part of selectors. And why is Nunaf not in the 20-20?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: I think we should come to terms with this rotation of pace bowlers. That is how things are going to be.
Rakesh: Are the BCCI officials competent to handle cricket, seeing the way it is growing?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: They need to have a more professional set-up but I don't see that happening any time soon.
pal: who is the next captain in our team?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Dhoni for Twenty20 ! Let's worry more about consistency rather than captaincy. The likes of Yuvraj and Dinesh Karthik all have potential for the job but let them establish themselves in all forms of the game first.
Johnpaul: Don't u think this tour opened a group of young guns who can throw out the old war horses?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Karthik, RP Singh and the lot have been revelations but why throw the oldies out. Why not give them an honourable exit ?
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Sarmista: Honestly is our middle order good enough to take on Lee, Tait in Australia. would you go for any changes?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi Sarmista, Let's hope the good performance in England does the team some good. A lot depends on how the players shape up closer to the tour. Nowadays, it is not a very good idea to speculate so much in advance.
Suba: Why are we indians so defensive in decision making..like not imposing a follow on yesterday ?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Hi Suba, Why not just celebrate the Test series win. Let the champagne flow.
Dhonidhoni: with the success of zaheer khan in county cricket, why doesn't the BCCI send more bowlers like irfan and munaf? that would help them alot.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: The BCCI can't get County contracts for players, the offers come directly to them. But yes, County cricket is very good experience, especially in getting used to the conditions there.
KPals: Why Dravid didn't get the standing ovation when he came to bat in the oval test? I guess this is his last test in england.
C. Rajshekhar Rao: Ask the crowd there. May be they too didn't like his decision.
Ananth: Post Independence, which the greatest cricket moment for Team India and the darkest hour of the game as well ?
C. Rajshekhar Rao: The greatest cricket moment is undoubtedly the 1983 World Cup triumph and the darkest hour the match-fixing scandal. Winning and losing is all right but not selling your integrity. It is time to sign off now guys. It was wonderful chatting with all of you who logged on to IBN Live.com and Cricketnext.com. The chat was very stimulating for me and I am convinced (if I had any doubt that is) that our readers are very discerning. Bye. Do participate in our future chats too. Cheers !
Thank you all for making the Freedom Chat on India's favourite sport, cricket, such a big success. Due to constraints of time not all the question could be answered and we apologise for the same.
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