Patel hints at bringing
back Srinath

Newly-appointed selection committee chairman Brijesh Patel said the current Indian team is "perfectly balanced" but hinted at bringing back seasoned campaigner Javagal Srinath.

"There is no need of any large scale changes in the team as the boys are playing like a well-knit side, and, in any case, I don't believe in the policy of chop and change," Patel said on Friday.

To a query whether Srinath could be brought back into the team to add sting to the attack for the coming World Cup, Patel replied, "Players like Srinath can walk into any team. I am going to speak to him once he returns from England and will definitely try to persuade him to play."

In June this year, Srinath had announced his retirement from Test cricket but expressed willingness to continue playing in the one-dayers.

Patel, who heads a completely new-look five-member selection committee, announced after Thursday's Board of Control for Cricket in India Annual General Meeting, also said he would review the performance of other "fringe players" who could be useful to the team for the World Cup campaign.

Patel, who had received a raw deal from the cricket establishment in his playing days, stressed that he would not like to see any player feel deprived at any stage.

"Nobody should be treated unfairly; all will get equal opportunity to prove their capabilities," he said.

Currently director of the Banglore-based National Cricket Academy, Patel also emphasised the importance of the fitness of players, adding it would be constantly monitored by him.

Incidentally, Patel's appointment as selection committee chairman came as a surprise, as initially he was tipped to be the BCCI's new joint-secretary.

Four of the five members of the old selection committee, including chairman Chandu Borde, were replaced at the Thursday's AGM. Sanjay Jagdale of Central Zone is the only member of the old committee who retained his post.

The other new members of the selection committee are Kirti Azad (North Zone), Pronab Roy (East Zone) and Kiran More (West Zone).

Mail Cricket Editor