Azhar steals show

During his playing days Azhar used to call Kolkata,or more precisely Eden Gardens,his second home. Save the World Cup semi-final against Sri Lanka in 1996,this city has always opened its heart and hearth to him. Today was no different. He was cheered all the way during his felicitation arranged by the club.

Azhar appeared to be very happy with the way the present Indian team is playing and contrary to Ian Chappell’s views,believes that Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his boys have the firepower to stay on top.

“India are playing positive cricket at the moment. They have a Test series coming up against Bangladesh which is unlikely to stretch them. As far as Chappell’s comment is concerned,it’s his opinion and every individual is entitled to his opinion,” Azhar said.

The elder Chappell has recently said that India don’t have bowling resources to retain their No 1 spot in Test cricket for a long time.

Eric Simons’ appointment as India’s bowling consultant seems to have surprised Azhar. “It would have been a different proposition with Shaun Pollock or Allan Donald on board. Kolkata Knight Riders have brought in Wasim Akram. But I’m sure the BCCI has given thoughts before appointing Simmons,” said the former India captain.

He batted for Twenty20 saying: “We must take it positively. It has thrown open a new challenge to modern day cricketers who now have to adjust to the demands of three different formats of the game.”

Azhar stands by Bindra

Meanwhile,shocked at the news that India’s Olympic hero Abhinav Bindra has threatened to quit shooting,Azhar said the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) should stand by the ace shooter. “What I heard about Abhinav is very sad. If a shooter like Abhinav is saying he is frustrated then there must be something wrong. The NRAI should do something about it. It is not moving in the right direction.”

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