It’s not easy being Romesh Powar. He was the most economic bowler for the country during India’s English summer in 2007 in the ODIs (Natwest Series). His economic rate was 4.57. Sourav Ganguly (4.80) returned the second most economic figures. But the Mumbai offie bowled 26.3 overs more than Ganguly. The off-spinner also got six wickets and was hailed by the English media for his classical approach to bowling, with a willingness to toss the ball up and give it a loop and spin. He is not afraid to be hit, a trait supposed to be intrinsic in spinners but becoming rare with the spinners inclined more to contain batsmen. Powar was, during the tour, described by Michael Atherton in Sunday Telegraph as the magnificently rotund off-spinner. And the reward? He was out of the Men in Blue camp. His exclusion almost coincided with Rahul Dravid stepping down from his captaincy, and so the offie’s omission did not get as much print space or video footage in the media.So, evidently nobody would like to be in Powar’s shoes. But the 29-year-old is least perturbed. “This is not the first time I am being dropped. I am quite used to it now. The selectors have taken the decision and I respect it,” said the Mumbai bowler.But yes, if not frustration, disappointment lingers on his face as he speaks. “Obviously it’s not a very happy situation to be out of the team. Yes, there is disappointment. But that’s how it is. I can’t do anything about it. Thankfully, my family has been quite supportive,” said Powar.His “poor fielding” was speculated by the media as one of the reasons for his exclusion. True, he is not a Jonty Rhodes on the field, but one needs wicket-taking bowlers too. “It’s all over exaggerated. I can field well. In fact, now I am better fielder,” said Powar.His “lack of agility because of his bulky frame” on the field was seen as a hindrance to his fielding. “I have reduced now. Can’t tell you how much as I don’t measure it. I am following a strict fitness regime,” said Powar.But despite the odds, he is still taking wickets, still deceiving batsmen in the air. In the Ranji season, he claimed 24 wickets from seven matches. “I love taking wickets. That’s my job. I want to keep doing that as long as I play. I love the game and that keeps me focused and going,” said Powar.
