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This is an archive article published on October 5, 1999

Gaekwad defends decision to put S Africa in

MUMBAI, OCT 4: Deposed coach Anshuman Gaekwad justified the decision to field first in Sunday's LG Cup final against South Africa on retu...

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MUMBAI, OCT 4: Deposed coach Anshuman Gaekwad justified the decision to field first in Sunday’s LG Cup final against South Africa on returning home in the wee hours of Monday morning.

Gaekwad was reacting to Sunil Gavaskar’s criticism in his syndicated column that India should have opted to bat on winning the toss.

Gavaskar criticism was based on India’s poor history in chasing target, “especially under pressure”.

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“I read Sunil’s (Gavaskar) column and I don’t agree with it. There was lot of moisture on the pitch and the shoe spikes sunk into it. That’s how soft it was. And South Africa had five fast bowlers to take advantage of the early dampness while we had just two,” said Gaekwad in his defence.

Gaekwad said India did not posses the batting depth of the South Africans. “Imagine if we had batted first and lost three early wickets like the South Africans. Where would it have left us?” he queried.

He said the loss against South Africa was because India gave far too many runs in the final three overs and then messed things up during the end stages of the chase.

The Indian coach lauded the team’s improved consistency in Toronto and Kenya, more so in the absence of some key players like Sachin Tendulkar, Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble.

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Gaekwad was fulsome in praise for newcomers Vijay Bharadwaj and Jacob Martin and signalled them as good, long-term prospects. “It’s important to retain them when the regulars return, at least in the 14,” he said.

Left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi, who took a career-best five wickets for six runs against South Africa, also came in for praise from the coach, who said that teams have started to play him with caution and care.

Skipper Ajay Jadeja said India could have won the final if the outfield was not so uneven. “We fell short by 30 runs as none of us could consolidate our innings after getting set,” he admitted.

Jadeja was looking forward to Kapil Dev taking over as the new Indian coach. “Kapil Dev is something special for me as all my life. He is one of the most respected cricketers and the boys will gain from his immense experience. We are all looking forward to it.”

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