Vengsarkar defends Chappell's policy of experimentation

Mohali: After the Indian debacle in the Champions trophy, Dilip Vengsarkar, the Indian team chief selector confessed that, "There is no exceptional talent in the country."

Answering to a query from Gulf News whether he had managed to spot any good players for the future from the Challenger Trophy, Vengsarkar said: "There are a few talented players, but no one is really exceptionally talented."

That remark attracted the attention of the Indian media, who virtually pounced on him demanding a further explanation of his statement.

"Most of them that I watched in the Challengers Trophy are good first class players, but not of international standard," he explained boldly.

Vengsarkar is of the opinion that there is a huge gap between domestic and international cricket standards and to reach that level requires special talents.

"Most of the players seen in action in the Challengers Trophy can do well in first class cricket, but they need to acquire special abilities to do well in international cricket," he elaborated.

Leg-spinner Anil Kumble and left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan have been included in the one-day squad for the tour of South Africa.

Tough tour

"I've had discussions with the team coach and the captain before finalising the team for South Africa, and they are happy with the team. We have tried to select a balanced team," added Vengsarkar.

He also pointed out that the South African tour would be a tough one and hence they had to select a very good combination. "Only those with proven techniques of the game have been selected," he clarified.

Regarding the inclusion of Zaheer Khan, Vengsarkar said: "He has proved his form in county cricket and I have also watched him closely. He is fit and in good nick." Same was his opinion about Wasim Jaffer. "He has very good talent to play on the bouncy wickets in South Africa," he noted.

To a query as to why VVS Laxman was not been included, Vengsarkar replied: "His fitness level is not satisfactory for One-day cricket. His case will be reviewed when we select the team for the Test series."

Ganguly not considered

Did Ganguly's name come up for discussion? "No. "We only discussed players who have done well in first class cricket."

Vengsarkar also justified India's poor performance in recent times. "It is a game of cricket where these ups and downs are bound to be seen. We lost in the Champions trophy mainly due to a bad performance to the West Indies."

The chief selector also backed Greg Chappell's experiments. "India is performing badly not because of the numerous experiments, but because we have been loosing early wickets. Players must possess the hunger to win and that is most important."