Agarkar out of Lanka, Singapore tours

It is the second time that Agarkar has pulled out of the team prior to a tour. The 21-year-old had suffered a shin fracture in Mumbai on the eve of the team’s departure to New Zealand last December and was out of action for nearly three months. He later made a comeback to the team during the tri-series staged at home featuring Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Interestingly, Agarkar’s withdrawal was announced in Mumbai even as skipper Sachin Tendulkar addressed a press conference in Chennai with the mediapersons oblivious of the development. Agarkar was taken to the hospital for diagnosis while Tendulkar briefed the media, it was learnt later.

Tendulkar optimistic

“We are going to Sri Lanka to win the tournament,” asserted batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar on the second day of the conditioning camp in preparation for the Sri Lankan tour at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.

He sent strong signals of the positive frame of mind he is in but did not miss the opportunity to send a warning of sorts to the team saying he would expect 100 per cent from all the players. “It might not be possible for everyone to do it but at least I expect everyone to try hard,” he said.

Dispelling doubts that he is seeking power and getting his way through regarding certain sensitive issues, he said: “I am not after power. I want the country to win. I think only in the interests of the team and I will continue to do that.”

“When the whole country has reposed faith in me, I will certainly give my best and will not shun responsibility,” he added.

Obviously the reports that he was in favour of his chum and former schoolmate, Vinod Kambli, hurt him. He took pains to explain that Kambli was a strong contender for over a year and was in the 14-member squad that visited Sharjah but was omitted for the World Cup by the selectors. “It was a toss up between Amay Khurasia and Vinod (Kambli) for the batting slot and selectors felt Khurasia would be better considering his domestic scores,” he said and hastened to add: “Friendship is only off the field.”

“Nayan Mongia’s injury has paved way for MSK and I hope the newcomer will make the best of this opportunity. I am happy MSK is in the team”, said Tendulkar. Prasad is the first from Andhra to don the national colours.

In reply to a question what the team’s strategy would be, Tendulkar said: “We have to wait and see what kind of tracks we get.”

He asserted that the psychological aspect is being taken care of and the video tapes of the practice sessions would help us to go back to the room and examine our faults. “We have been doing that for quite sometime now,” he said.

“Do you think leading the team is a tough assignment?” “Playing professional cricket itself is a tough thing.” he quipped.

Asked if all-rounder Robin Singh would be used as a pinch hitter, he said that certain things are not to be revealed.

However, he said that the tail-enders too have a role to play as batsmen and should take more responsibility.

The team will leave for Lanka on Aug 20.

BCCI MEETS: Itineraries of the forthcoming tours to India by New Zealand and South Africa and awarding of TV rights for coverage of international cricket are to be finalised by the BCCI at Mumbai over the next two days.

The board’s programmes and fixtures committee is to meet tomorrow to chalk out the schedules for the September 30-November 15 tour by New Zealand and the subsequent home series against South Africa slated from January 17-March 19. The programmes have to be ratified by the working committee which is to meet on August 20 before they are announced.