Elmo Rodrigopulle: Azhar has set his final field (13 Aug 1996)

Mohammed Azharuddin the Indian captain has set his final field and the Indian selectors have asked him to step down and installed the young Sachin Tendulkar as their new captain for the tour of Sri Lanka for the four-nation Singer world

13-Aug-1996

13 August 1996

`Azhar` has set his final field

By Elmo Rodrigopulle

Azharuddin has been India`s most successful captain ever. Since taking over from Kapil Dev, he successfully steered the Indian cricketing ship from stormy seas and gave it a unchecked run until he struck an iceberg in the form of the Sri Lankan cricketers in the semi-final of the World Cup in Calcutta early this year.

From that moment India`s cricket began to sink and with the virulent Indian critics baying for his removal, Azharuddin began to falter and his fortunes finally fell apart when they lost the one-day and test series to England.

That apart, the sudden pulling out of solid batsman Navjot Sidhu and the controversy it evoked finally did Azharuddin in and when the chop was made it did not come as a surprise.

Knowledgeable critics say that it was domestic problems that led to his losing concentration as captain and a batting flop. Some argue that he did not deserve a place in the team. But that is being uncharitable!

Azharuddin hit the Indian cricket scene like a meteorite. He reeled off three hundreds in a row against England in India and he was then the pin up boy of Indian cricket.

He continued his extra ordinary batting feats and it was not long when word began to do the rounds that here was the next Indian captain. Leadership did not take long in coming and when it did come he adorned that exalted position with great dignity and aplomb and also earned the respect of his team mates by example. He always led from the front and would not field a mate in a dangerous position. His standing at close in silly mid off, a position not many would like to stand in, was ample testimony of his concern for his team mates.

But then one can`t get away from the fact that all good things must come to an end and it was no different in the case of Azharuddin. As a sportsman Azharuddin did everything in the manner born. Greatness spurs green eyed monsters. It happens here, there and everywhere and these monsters have now struck Azharuddin.

But what has warmed the cockles of Azharuddin`s supporters is that he has not been thrown to the wolves. Azharuddin was quick to praise and congratulate his vice captain Tendulkar the new man at the helm and they have had a good understanding between them over the years and together they are sure to bring Indian cricket around again.

Azharuddin is indispensable as a batsman. Once he strikes form he is a treat to watch and if he regains his lost form here then opposing bowlers and fielders will have to work overtime.

Sachin Tendulkar`s elevation also did not come as a surprise. He is one of the best batsman in world cricket and it is hoped that the added responsibility will not stall or stunt his phenomenal run with the bat.

For any captain to succeed he must have 100 per cent and more from each of his team mates. This we are sure will be given to him. It is also interesting to see the reinstating of stylish lefthander Vinod Kambli into the team. Maybe Tendulkar put in a word for his school buddy.

We wish Tendulkar all the best in the hot seat.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)