Pujara should play county cricket: Azhar
stint in English county cricket when he is not part of any IPL franchise would do India’s top batsman Cheteshwar Pujara a world of good to counter the moving and bouncing balls in future when he tours overseas, feels former captain Mohammed Azharuddin.
“I would like those who are not playing IPL, especially Pujara, to go and play county cricket in England. He would encounter different types of wickets especially in April and May which will give good experience and exposure.
“It will help him when he tours England or other places where the ball moves around and also bounces,” Azhar said here on Saturday.
The former stylish batsman spoke to the reporters after listening to former Test player Yajurvindra Singh addressing the inaugural “Raj Singh Memorial Spirit of Cricket Lecture” at the Cricket Club of India.
Describing the former BCCI and CCI President Raj Singh as an “outstanding personality”, a “man of etiquette” and a “fatherlike figure to me”, Azhar, who was made the India captain on then selection panel chief Raj Singh’s insistence, backed the decision of some top Indian players, who are injured, to skip IPL 10.
“If they are not fit then there’s no need for them to play instead of playing and suddenly going to play for the country and finding themselves not fit. Everyone should know their fitness levels,” said the 99-Test veteran who was among the fittest cricketers of his generation and a brilliant fielder to boot.
YAJURVINDRA RECALLS KAPIL’S ONE KNOCK
Former India Test player Yajurvindra Singh recalled how one innings in East Africa in 1978 from the then rookie player Kapil Dev changed the perception of some top Indian players of that time about his capabilities as a cricketer. Singh, who delivered the inaugural “Raj Singh Memorial Spirit of Cricket Lecture” at the Cricket Club of India here, mentioned the ‘Haryana Hurricane’s’ visit to East Africa as part of the Rajasthan cricket team as an additional member. “When Kapil went
in (Syed) Kirmani was on three and when he finished the game to remain not out on 53 Kirmani was on 6,” said Yajurvindra.
MISBAH HOPEFUL OF INDO-PAK CRICKET TIES
Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-haq has lamented the absence of bilateral cricket ties with India.
In an interview on Saturday Misbah said: “These restrictions are because of politics and politi cal issues between Pakistan and India.
“But I don’t think this should be the case as cricketers and fans are deprived of good contests They, like us. I am sure when things improve politically there will be cricket between Pakistan and India,” he added.
He lamented that young play ers from both countries were not getting the opportunity to get a feel of Indo-pak cricket matches which help them develop as players.