New Delhi, June 7: Watching Robin Singh move like an aimless block on the field in India's Asia Cup last league match against Pakistan was not only sad but also difficult to fathom. Here was the never-say-die cricketer, probably the fittest in the Indian team at a not-so-young 37, not even aware of his role. Even though skipper Saurav Ganguly was clearly (and statistically) struggling to manage a "greenhorn" Indian bowling attack, all Robin did was to man key fielding positions - covers, point, square leg. And a bowl? No, he was completely forgotten! Ganguly later said: "This is an inexperienced bowling attack. Give them some more time." But why did the India skipper overlook Robin's bowling credentials? True, the Bangabandhu Stadium (Dhaka) is a typical sub-continent batting track, flat and full of runs, but were bowlers like Abdur Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood not on target there? Not only Robin's steady and accurate line, but his slow medium pace not coming on to the bat, would have come in handy. At least, it was worth trying. Not only the game against Pakistan, Robin bowled just three overs against Sri Lanka and another four against Bangladesh in the entire tournament. And don't forget the fact that the pedestrian Indian bowling failed to make its mark even on minnows Bangladesh, allowing them to score 249 against them. If Robin still did not fit into the scheme of things, surely the skipper and the coach need to do a little explaining. While the bowlers disappointed, India's batsmen too failed to get going. It was here that the Indians could have shown some enterprise by promoting Robin to the number three spot. He is a clean hitter and given his ability to run the singles and twos quick, Robin would have given the Indian innings the required momentum. But at number six, he is more or less wasted. Robin, who first played for India almost a decade back, became a permanent member in the team only after the '96 Titan Cup. Though he has never been a flashy allrounder, not once has he been found wanting in whatever role the team management chalked out for him. Robin has an ODI hundred as well as a five-wicket haul to his credit but he is yet to get his due. Certainly, cold-shouldering a senior performer like him is not what an ailing Indian team needs. Robin knows he doesn't have much international cricket left in him, but amazingly, like teammate Mohammad Azharuddin, fitness has been his greatest ally and has been pushing him on. And yet, Robin would not mind passing on the mantle to a young, good allrounder, provided there is one. Till then, trust Robin to do the job.
