'I take it one game at a time' - Agarkar
Ajit Agarkar on the excellent form this season
Dileep Premachandran
21-Nov-2005
Perhaps no other cricketer has endured so much ridicule in recent times. But Ajit Agarkar's attitude to the media coverage, both the positive and the overwhelmingly negative, has always been touched by maturity. Where others turn on their critics at every opportunity, Agarkar can't be bothered, and he's happiest out in the middle, doing what he feels he does best. And in the recent past, his best has put every other Indian pace bowler in the shade. His performances have led to him sharing the new ball with Irfan Pathan, and given him the chance to emulate the heroics of a few seasons ago, when he emerged - a lanky straw-weight seemingly susceptible to a strong gust of wind - and raced to 50 wickets quicker than any man before or since. With India's preparations for the Chennai game disrupted by showers, Agarkar spoke to the media in front of the famous Chepauk pavilion.
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On how he feels about his recent displays
I've worked pretty hard, and things have been very positive, starting in Zimbabwe. I try to take it one game at a time.
I've worked pretty hard, and things have been very positive, starting in Zimbabwe. I try to take it one game at a time.
On what's changed for him
Not much really. I've worked a bit with Ian Frazer who pointed out a couple of things that needed tweaking in my action. Just technical things like my right hip not going through and the entire body momentum being behind the ball at the time of delivery. Sometimes, it's the basic things that you miss.
Not much really. I've worked a bit with Ian Frazer who pointed out a couple of things that needed tweaking in my action. Just technical things like my right hip not going through and the entire body momentum being behind the ball at the time of delivery. Sometimes, it's the basic things that you miss.
On how disheartening it was to be in and out of the side despite being India's best ODI bowler since the 2003 World Cup.
That's in the past now. Each time you're not picked, you view it as a challenge and go back to try and do well in domestic cricket. We play so much cricket now that there are bound to be opportunities and you just have to make the most of what comes your way. You can only control what's in your hands, and each time I go out, I give a 100% for the team.
That's in the past now. Each time you're not picked, you view it as a challenge and go back to try and do well in domestic cricket. We play so much cricket now that there are bound to be opportunities and you just have to make the most of what comes your way. You can only control what's in your hands, and each time I go out, I give a 100% for the team.
On criticism from former greats
I don't read it. What can you do anyway? They can have their opinion, and I certainly can't stop them talking. I just go out there and try my best, and play the game because I love it.
I don't read it. What can you do anyway? They can have their opinion, and I certainly can't stop them talking. I just go out there and try my best, and play the game because I love it.
On whether he has enjoyed the new-ball responsibility
Yes, I have. But I feel I can do a job both with the shiny hard ball first up, and the soft one at the end of an innings.
Yes, I have. But I feel I can do a job both with the shiny hard ball first up, and the soft one at the end of an innings.
Dileep Premachandran is features editor of Cricinfo