Team low on confidence8217;

MUMBAI, APRIL 17: The performance of the Indian team, minus Sachin Tendulkar, in the recent triangular one-day tournaments has done more ...

MUMBAI, APRIL 17: The performance of the Indian team, minus Sachin Tendulkar, in the recent triangular one-day tournaments has done more damage than good to their build-up for the forthcoming World Cup. While Pakistan, who won both the events, gained ascendance, the Indians crashed to new depths of despair. And if Indian coach Anshuman Gaekwad and skipper Mohammad Azharuddin are to be believed, the losses have indeed created a dent in the team8217;s confidence.

Azharuddin shuffled in his statements on arrival from Sharjah this evening here, saying: 8220;Yesterday8217;s loss hasn8217;t affected the team8230;8221; and following it up with 8220;confidence is low considering the number of defeats we have suffered of late.8221; He tried to put up a brave defence when he said: 8220;we might try out something new in England and Inshallah when we reach there things might improve.8221;

Gaekwad pointed to the inconsistent batting displays as the root cause for the reverses. 8220;We didn8217;t bat well. Though we won three games at Sharjah the battingperformances were not satisfying. We won because of the bowlers, who I feel did an extremely good job.8221;

The former Indian opener was candid in admitting a title triumph in either of the two tourneys would have done the team a world of good. 8220;A victory in Tendulkar8217;s absence would definitely have done wonders for the team, which had accepted the fact that they would be depleted without him.8221;

Gaekwad felt that despite the repeated failures, bowling and fielding displays provided the silver lining. 8220;Fielding has improved a lot as you might have seen.8221;

Both Gaekwad and Azhar came down heavily on the scathing criticism the Indian skipper has had to face recently. 8220;Such criticism doesn8217;t affect the team to the extent of winning and losing, but it does affect the boys. It is not in good taste especially when he has been appointed for the World Cup. Why this speculation?8221; wondered Gaekwad.

8220;It is totally unnecessary to write such things and create controversies. It is not good for the team and thecountry,8221; thundered Azhar.

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The remedial measures according to Gaekwad, if the Indians are to get their act together, are 8220;more application and consistency from the batsmen. Besides, an extra effort from the team since we have to look forward to winning matches too.8221;

But the biggest boost for the Indian team would be the return of Sachin Tendulkar. Gaekwad8217;s face lit up as he replied, 8220;Oh, yeah! He is a big bonus for any team.8221; Can8217;t say about the others but the Indians need him now more than any other time.