There146;s a selector in the nets

According to Raju, it8217;s for the first time since he became selector last year that he has been asked by the team management to help out in the nets. 8220;It felt good to help. But please don8217;t call this a coaching session or anything. I am just trying to help out after Venky asked me to,8221; said Raju, who played 28 Tests for India, falling seven short of the 100-wicket mark.

Raju first talked for a while with Pawar, then set a corridor of sorts by placing a plastic bottle near the stumps, and asking the 27-year-old to run in through the narrow gap and bowl. Finally, the Hyderabadi, who reached here two days ago with East Zone colleague Ranjib Biswal, picked up the ball and started looping them in himself 8212; quite nicely, too.

Looking on were Raju8217;s statemate VVS Laxman, fielding coach Robin Singh and Yuvraj Singh. 8220;I retired just three years ago, so why don8217;t I bowl myself?8221; Raju joked later, patting his flat stomach.