NEWS
OPINION
GALLERY
STATISTICS
INTERVIEWS

Happy Azhar hails vindication

World Cup captain Mohammed Azharuddin is happy that the national selectors brushed aside the unfounded critisism and showed faith in him.

Azharuddin was reappointed captain for the upcoming triseries at home, the one to follow in Sharjah, and most importantly the World Cup in May in England.

He said doubts about his inability to lead the side were only in the minds of the media and certain former cricketers. His reference was to the likes of Bishen Bedi who had called him the worst captain India had ever had.

Azharuddin further said he had felt very bad for losing some matches. "Buteverything will work fine if India wins here and in Sharjah," he added.

He said he was eager to lead this side as so many young players will be throwing their hats in the ring. To a question whether losing to Pakistan will effect the morale of the team he said today's cricketers are a hardened lot and they are aware that wins and defeats go hand in hand.

"You just cannot let that affect your performances," he added.

He said after years of leading the team and 16 years of tension-filled international life, he would not let pressure get to him or the team.

"All we have to do is show consistency," Azharuddin said.

UNI