By Inchara, Kaup
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)
Udupi, Sep 9: “Although India lost the test series and 20-20 tourney in the United Kingdom, the team is hopeful of winning the one-day series provided each player plays well in the next match. Meanwhile, the Indian team will have to prepare adequately to face Australia by setting a rhythm in play. One cannot expect victory at all times,” said Padmashree Sayyed Kirmani, chairman, Karnataka Cricket Board.
Kirmani is on a district tour and in an interview with Daijiworld on Thursday September 8 said that the lack of co-ordination and consistent efforts of the Indian cricket team besides a few errors by umpires were chiefly responsible for its defeat. “Criticizing any player will not help and instead every Indian should try to improve the morale of cricketers. It’s not possible to win always,” he added.
“Only two players from Karnataka are included in the national team, but in the near future five players from Karnataka will play for the Indian team. In the past, six players from Karnataka played for the country. However, this will be a reality, provided the players from Karnataka play well in Ranji Trophy,” emphasized Kirmani.
“Dhoni’s captaincy is not responsible for the loss in United Kingdom. India ranked number one in test cricket under the captaincy of Dhoni. It has won ‘20-20 Championship’ and ‘World Cup’, hence it’s not wise to blame the captaincy for the defeat in United Kingdom,” he added.
“Many players in the Indian team are suffering from injuries. The team suffered defeat due to lack of fitness and injuries. The lack of rest resulted in injuries as the players were busy throughout with the 20-20, World Cup, IPL, and Test Series,” said Kirmani.
“The synthetic turf pitch that was laid at Katpady, near here, is the first ever made in the state. Even Bangalore and Mysore do not have it,” he added. He commended KRS Cricket Academy for managing this Academy and inspiring youngsters in pursuing a career in cricket and assured they would be provided various facilities from the state Cricket Board.
Kirmani said that district level cricket tournaments will be held across the state in association with KSCA in order to popularize the game in every nook and corner.