Javagal Srinath has said that a knee injury — suffered while playing for Durham a couple of months ago — could keep him out of the Indian team for the home series against New Zealand. But will it keep him away from the South African provincial side Gauteng, for which he is also contracted to play? Strangely, while the Indian pacer has informed the BCCI about his unavailability, the same ‘unfit’ message has not been sent to South Africa. ‘‘Wait and watch. I have not yet decided, it all depends on my knee injury,’’ is what Srinath had to say on the issue after avoiding calls from The Indian Express for days. His silence has meant some serious confusion at Gauteng. In May, while at Durham, Srinath signed up for the whole of the 2003-04 season (September-March) to play and also coach Gauteng’s A, B, under-19 and Academy sides. At the time of the signing Gauteng, based at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, had proudly unveiled their two prize catches — Srinath and former South African off-spinner Derek Crookes. The news was soon posted on the club’s website as well. But once Srinath made his injury known, Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB) officials gave out contradictory responses to The Indian Express. Gauteng’s senior team coach Shukri Conrad, quoted on the GCB website as being ‘‘very excited’’ at Srinath’s expected arrival, evaded last week the specific issue of when and whether the bowler would join. ‘‘Yes Srinath was supposed to come here in mid-September. But I have no further knowledge.’’ When probed further, he confirmed that Srinath was going to be ‘‘involved for the season,’’ September-March. When informed that India have at least two full series during that period, Conrad asked, ‘‘Is he going to be playing for India as well?’’ Communication Officer Jenny Rodel confirmed that Srinath had signed a contract but refused to say anything more. ‘‘I have absolutely no idea what is the status with Srinath. All the matters are being dealt with by our CEO (Alan Kourie) and he knows everything. We have no idea about Srinath’s injury.’’ Kourie, after repeated calls last week, said that he wouldn’t make any statement. He simply said: ‘‘Please contact Javagal for his side of the story.’’ The trainer of the Gauteng province Jeff Lunsky even went to the extent of saying that ‘‘from what I know, he was to play for us and during training give tips to the players in the team.’’ He added, ‘‘Since we are in the dark, only Srinath can present a clear picture.’’ That is easier said than done. Despite several frantic phone calls to him in Bangalore, Mysore and Chennai throughout last week, a positive response could not be elicited. His people at the Bangalore home said he was in Mysore, where the phone had gone out of order. But we found even his mobile — his father gave the number — had been switched off. BCCI chief Jagmohan Dalmiya said he wasn’t aware of any deal with Gauteng. ‘‘As far as I know, Srinath has suffered a knee injury. For details of the injury please contact (board secretary) SK Nair.’’
