Two out in the middle want back in

From those currently toiling in the domestic circuit, Suresh Raina and Dinesh Mongia are two of a kind. They haven8217;t been dropped, but sent back after the one-dayers in South Africa. It remains to be seen if they are able to retain their places.

Raina has a meek average of 26 from 34 ODIs and just three half-centuries, while Mongia has scored two half centuries in the last ten matches. However, it is pertinent to note that Raina has definitely been given a longer rope than Mongia. Another difference between the two is that Mongia has been through such a phase while the present scenario is new to Raina.

8220;The drop was a good thing for me. I wasn8217;t doing well, so I got dropped. I am sure I8217;ll be back soon. It8217;s a learning process,8221; says Raina. For Mongia, it8217;s a different situation.

8220;It gets really frustrating when you8217;re dropped without being given a good run. It is good that in Ranji, there8217;s an opportunity to perform and improve. But, it8217;s frustrating when you8217;re sent back even after not getting enough chances,8221; he says.

Raina played a gigantic role in helping Uttar Pradesh win the Ranji Trophy last season. That aside, he has turned up well for the India Under-19 team, ending up as one of the main performers in the 2004 Colts World Cup at Dhaka.

Later, when he got started playing for India, the initial flow of runs against Sri Lanka and England home series made captain Rahul Dravid tag him as a 8216;phenomenal talent.8217;

But in the last couple of series that India have played, the youngster has appeared to be woefully out of form. 8220;It happens to all batsmen, at all levels, some time or the other,8221; Raina would like to tell himself, but in truth he would know that there is pressure on him to perform. 8220;I have gained a lot of confidence now after these matches in the Ranji Trophy,8221; he shoots back.

Nevertheless, Raina will do well to take notice of Mongia who8217;s been through these ups and downs. A southpaw like him, Mongia is another cricketer keen on making a mark on the domestic circuit. 8220;With senior players now making a comeback, it8217;s definitely tougher. Everybody would like to be there and therefore only those who8217;ve got the right potential can make it,8221; Mongia says.

He once made it to the World Cup at the cost of VVS Laxman and is still remembered by many as unnecessary baggage on that tour. However, Mongia has been an elite performer in the English county circuit and he is definitely judgmental about it.

8220;I spent time there to come all the way back and play for the country. Therefore, it hurts when you8217;re once again sent to do time at the domestic level,8221; he says.