Sourav’s career far from over, says Srinath

The former pace spearhead, accompanied by MRF Pace Foundation chief TA Sekar, was in Jammu and Kashmir for a two-day camp to hunt for fast bowling talent from the region.

Srinath also said leg-spinner Anil kumble had a lot to contribute to the shorter version of game and he should be a part of the team for next year’s World Cup.

“Kumble should be an integral part of the Indian team at the 2007 World Cup in West Indies based on his performance and he still has an important role to play,” Srinath told reporters on the sidelines of the camp.

Srinath was all praise for the young pace bowlers, saying they were all shaping up well but refuse to predict if they would be able to pose a strong challenge in the World Cup next year. “(Irfan) Pathan, Sreesanth, R P Singh and Munaf Patel have been performing well at the international level,” he said.

On the players’ burn out due to excessive cricket, Srinath said cricketers in the age group of 23 to 28 years can play any number of games they like. “At that age, it does not affect the players too much,” Srinath said adding that “the rotation policy of the Indian team management is working for them at the moment and it would help in reducing the players burnout.”

He also said introducing the youngsters into international arena at an early age would benefit them, especially the fast bowlers. “The fast bowlers get a new sense of direction if they are exposed to international cricket at a young age. They learn a lot while playing and know which areas they need to improve upon,” he said.