Gaekwad optimistic as camp ends

The ten day camp for the Indian probables for the ICC knock out tournament to be held at Nairobi from October 3 to 15 concluded in Chennai today.

It was not all smooth sailing for the players. First, they could not train at the MA Chidambaram stadium as the ground is being spruced up for the international matches in the season ahead. The training sessions were held at the MRF Pace Foundation but after the first two days the practice was shifted to the IIT Chemplast ground as rain rendered the playing conditions at the Pace Foundation unfit. Then there was a hoax caller who said a bomb had been placed at the Pace Foundation. Following this, the probables followed a set routine of having their physical conditioning at the Pace Foundation followed by nets at the IIT Chemplast ground. The gym and the swimming pool at the Pace Foundation came in handy for the conditioning but the larger ground space available at the IIT Chemplast ground made batting, bowling and fielding a more comfortable exercise. Also, the vast open space came in handy for physio Andrew Leipus who set up various physical conditioning games for the probables.

All in all, the players took the hurdles in their stride and on Saturday morning, coach Anshuman Gaekwad expressed happiness at the way the camp was conducted. ``Considering the short duration of the camp, I must say everything went off well,'' said Gaekwad. ``Everyone is fit, we had good practice and we are hoping for the best,'' he added optimistically. They ended the camp with their usual physical training regimen at the MRF Pace Foundation.

Overall, Gaekwad who celebrated his 48th birthday today, expressed satisfaction on the preparation of the team. Asked if he had concentrated on any specific aspect at the camp, Gaekwad said the focus was on physical fitness, a traditionally weak link in Indian cricketers. But he was quick to add that batting, bowling and fielding were also given importance and had a word of praise for the good work done by Leipus. He was of the view that the presence of a number of youngsters would stand the team in good stead especially in fielding which is always of vital importance in limited overs cricket.

The camp was attended on all days by 20 probables with three players, captain Sourav Ganguly, vice captain Rahul Dravid and senior player Anil Kumble attending it on the last two days on their return from England after completing their county engagements. Ganguly in fact spent just a day at the camp as he rushed to Calcutta to be with his family, whom he had not seen for some five months.