Mongia puzzle remains unsolved

Keeping in mind the current contenders, the veteran Baroda gloveman’s case is clearly a strong one. But, ‘‘I don’t know. I’m just trying to give it my best shot. The rest is all up to the selectors. They have not been communicative enough. I don’t know what else to do,’’ he says.

The man has been embroiled in controversies down the years, all of which have been discussed a number of times. But controversies aside, few would disagree that Mongia has been India’s best.

‘‘Yes,’’ he says, when asked whether he has spoken to anyone in the establishment. ‘‘Everyone keeps saying that I have been doing well and have always been the best.’’

The selectors’ current favourite, Parthiv Patel, has been patchy Down Under, highlighting the fact serious thought needs to be given to the issue before the Pakistan tour. The mystery surrounding Mongia, however, remains, and the onus rests with the selectors to clear the air.