The Cricket Interview/Kiran More

'Prabhakar is a nice man, but does not know what he is saying'

Kiran Shankar More is the first to admit that his reflexes are no longer what they once were when, as a regular member of the Indian side, he had taken 110 catches besides 20 stumpings in a matter of 49 Tests.

More, who debuted first in one dayers (versus England at Pune, 1984-1985) before making the Test side (versus England at Lord's, 1986) played his last game for India when he turned out against Sri Lanka at Colombo in the third Test of the 1993-1994 season.

Since then, he has been playing for Baroda and, judging by his performance with both bat and ball in the previous season, age (he is now 35) hasn't dimmed the edge of his ability.

"I have no regrets," More told Haresh Pandya, "at losing my place in the side. I had a good career, and Nayan Mongia appeared on the scene just when my own skills were waning a bit. He has been doing exceedingly well, in fact." Both More and Mongia play for Baroda.

More, who spends all the spare time he has watching the national side perform, then settled down to discuss matters cricketing. Excerpts from the interview:

Your former team-mate Manoj Prabhakar has been hitting the headlines with allegations about players's involvement with betting and bribery -- would you care to comment?

Prabhakar is a very nice man who sometimes talks too much. Often, he does not seem to know what he is saying. One thing is, he has always played for the side, and sacrificed a lot for it. But he does tend, at times, to say things that are not true to even his own eyes.

You were with the Indian team during the South African tour under Mohammad Azharuddin, and the subsequent tour of Sri Lanka which has been referred to by Prabhakar and others. So what is your own take on betting, bribery, match-fixing et al?

During the days when I was playing with the team, I don't remember any instances of betting and bribery, of bookmakers visiting our dressing rooms and all the rest of it. Nor do I have any evidence to believe that any of our players was ever involved with match fixing, gambling or any other illegal activity. Sure, I have heard of horse races being fixed -- but what Prabhakar and Aamir Sohail are talking about these days is, frankly, news to me.

Would you say there is an element of truth, at least, in what Sohail and Prabhakar have said?

Look, I have only read what they supposedly said, in newspapers and magazines. And with all due respect, I don't much trust the press in such matters. And yes, I think it is a pity that cricket is now going through this turmoil -- and that is all I have to say about this particular issue.

Okay, then -- to what would you ascribe India's poor performance in the Caribbean and in the Independence Cup in India?

I think the balance of the team was the main reason, though I also believe that most of the players looked tired, jaded from too much cricket. In fact, non-stop cricket is a better description. The way the Test series and one day tournaments are organised these days is frankly ridiculous -- I believe that no player should play more than a dozen Tests and at best 30 one-dayers in any given year.

How about the inclusion of Saba Karim as second wicketkeeper? What are your thoughts on that?

Karim did well in the one day internationals in the Caribbean. And Mongia does need a back-up, and Karim is the most senior, and best of the available choices.

This question has assumed the dimensions of a national debate -- so what is your view on it, do you believe captaincy has affected Sachin Tendulkar's batting?

When you lose, you are criticised from all quarters. When you win, nothing you do can be wrong. That is a fact of public life, I guess. Frankly, no, I don't think his batting has become one bit affected by captaincy. Sure, there is even more pressure on him as he is the key batsman in the side, especially in the one day context. But I don't think captaincy and its pressures have had anything to do with it.

The question of an opening combination for the side seems to be defeating our selectors. What are your views?

True, the question of finding a settled pair for Tests, and for ODIs, remains. My belief is that the selectors should look to groom youngsters. And they should also keep in mind people who have in the past failed, but who could well be back in good touch and capable of serving Indian cricket. For instance, when playing for India, I remember Sri Lanka's Maravan Atapattu scoring five ducks in a series. The selectors have given him another chance, recognising his talent, and today he is emerging as an enterprising and successful batsman. This is a lesson we could learn from.

Which raises the question of Ajay Jadeja -- you have watched him bat at close quarters, do you see him as an opener or a middle order bat?

Given his style and technique, I would think it is wiser if he continues batting in the middle order. True, I also believe he has never had much chance to bat himself into the opening slot -- in fact, Jadeja himself is sometimes unaware of his batting position even when he is in the playing XI. He should be given a fixed position, which will definitely boost his confidence.

Another controversial issue relates to the dropping of Mohammad Azharuddin. What are your views?

I think it was the wrong decision, frankly. And I am certain he will make a successful comeback, and that too very soon. He plays his natural game, always, just like Vivian Richards. It is foolish to accuse Azharuddin of batting carelessly. Can anyone tell Richards to bat slowly and cautiously?

Every other team these days seems to be going in for foreign coaches. Do you think India should, too?

I think the Indian team will be better off with an expert physical trainer -- preferably a foreigner who knows the ins and outs of fitness theory. Our running between wickets is very poor, and a professional can help us improve on that aspect, and also ensure our fitness levels are at its peak.