Three players sacked from BCCI academy

The third, Delhi-based Railways left-arm spinner Murali Kartik who had made his Test debut in the last home series against South Africa, was axed because of lack of fitness.

He had carried a spate of injuries into the training camp which commenced on May 1 despite the Board8217;s directive that the trainees 8220;should not come with illnesses or injuries,8221; a release from the NCA director said on Saturday.

8220;All three are talented cricketers and the action had to be taken with much pain and regret. They have been suitably counseled and there is every hope that with better sense of discipline and commitment, they will serve the nation with distinction in future,8221; Hanumant Singh has stated.

8220;No cricketer, however great, should regard himself bigger than the team or the game, much less the country,8221; he has further emphasised in his press statement.

The three sacked trainees have been replaced by Manish Sharma of Punjab, Nikhil Doru of Rajasthan and Rakesh Dhruv of Saurashtra who would join the Academy for the semester starting on June 26, the release added.

Hanumant Singh has aslo stated in the release that the main aims of the Academy were to groom young cricketers with special regard to fitness, athleticism, discipline, proper attitude, team spirit and above all pride in representing one8217;s country.

8220;Unfortunately, individual performances get more weightage in the media than collective performance. Public adulation sweeps the immature cricketer off his feet until proverbially he becomes too big for his boots. Not many Indian cricketers are able to take success with equanimity,8221; the former Test batsman has said.

8220;This malaise, together with the belief that to be a cricketer one need not be an athlete and the inherent Indian nature to look for an easy way out of every situation has led to poor attitude, a weak mind, lack of professionalism and a complete neglect of the team8217;s interest. This has been the bane of Indian cricket,8221; are his pithy comments.

8220;This is an area of major concern for selectors and the Indian team coaches. Without discipline none of these areas can bear fruit. A few individuals can vitiate the whole atmosphere, making the entire exercise non-productive,8221; he has further said to elaborate on his stunning action.

The three sacked cricketers may now appeal to the Academy chairman Raj Singh Dungarpur, who is abroad, after he returns to India, Board sources indicated.