Tri-colour tinge to success in Holland

The trio underwent a work out session at the well-manicured Elf-Vengsarkar Cricket Academy this evening. For Gavaskar and Bahutule, there was reason to be upbeat, having returned from a successful sojourn of Holland with the India A team.

Gavaskar was the cynosure of the Dutch tour — comprising three three-dayers and as many overs-limited matches. The left-hander had the distinction of being dismissed only once in the series in which he slammed two centuries.Bahutule, too, fared well — 14 wickets, with a best of 6-76.

But the moot question is: how far would theseefforts count considering that the opposition was weak?

“A good performance is a good performance, no matter who the opposition. Our duty is to perform to the best of our abilities and leave the rest to the selectors,” replied the 25-year-old Bahutule. The 21-year-old Gavaskar’s joins the conversation: “Cricket is a funny game. Whatever be the nature of the opposition you have to keep scoring runs to be in the reckoning and hope for the best.”

There were gratifying moments too for the duo. While Gavaskar points to his consistency during the tour as the most satisfying aspect, Bahutule draws inspiration from the fact that his best display (6-76) of the tour came on a batsman-friendly track.

Bahutule, who is playing second fiddle to senior pro Anil Kumbe, feels that his best is yet to come on the international stage. “I have not performed to the best of my abilities in international cricket,” he admits. In fact, he sees his selection to the forthcoming World Cup preparatory camp in Chennai as achance to improve his credentials.

Agarkar applauds the duo’s displays. “It was excellent,” says the 21-year-old who has been a major factor in India’s upswing of cricketing fortunes.

“Whatever be the opposition, the opportunities are limited and I feel that they fared exceedingly well in the outings they got,” he added.As the conversation drifts to the camaraderie, Gavaskar’s comments says it all: “We get along very well. Besides, we back each other during moments of despondency. We try to discuss, analyse and sort out each other’s weaknesses.”

Though all three honed their skills in Mumbai, Gavaskar sought refuge in Bengal to display his wares on the National circuit. When quizzed about the temptation to play for Mumbai, Gavaskar is emphatic in stating: “I am well settled in Bengal. It is like a big family out there.”

Agarkar underlines the strong bonding existing between them when he says: “There is going to be a lot of fun in the camp with Sai (Bahutule) around.”