PRABHAKAR_INTERVIEW_16APR94

No Cricket for Two Months: Prabhakar Source: Indian Express, 16, April 1994

Manoj Prabhakar is a gutsy cricketer, who thrives on combative situations. A fighter to the core, he plays to win. He should have been in Sharjah playing in the Australasia cup but a leg injury has forced him to skip six-nation tournament. For the same reason, he lost his chance to play for English county Warwickshre this season.

Prabhakar has now decided not to play for the next two months at least, to avoid aggravating it. Though he continues with his daily exercises to keep himself fit, he will not be actively involved in any cricket match for the next two months.

A man of few words, Prabhakar has often been misunderstood. But he ignores his critics, who criticize him for the sake of criticizing. He is a firm believer in action on the field, rather than off it. He has come up the hard way and enjoys the fruit of that hard labour.

Resting in his house after his return from London, the 30-year allrounder answered several queries about his injury, fitness test in Edgbaston, his disappointments, his immediate plans and on India's chances in Sharjha during an exclusive chat on Friday.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

Q: What really happened to the fitness test in Edgbaston ?

Manoj: My doctor in India had told me that I would be able to resume my cricket after 3-4 weeks. So, I was confident that I would pass the fitness test in England. But the doctor there said I needed at least 10-12 weeks' rest before I could start playing. I did argue with him initially that I would be in a position to play after a month. I told him that I would be losing financially if I backed out at that late stage. But somehow he convinced me that it would be better for me if I avoided playing for some more weeks.

I was eager to play in England. But at the same time, I didn't want to do something which I would have to regret later. So, I decided not to insist on my fitness and withdrew. May be, I'll be able to play for some county next season.

Q: Are you disappointed you failed the test ?

Manoj: Naturally. With India not schedule to play till November, I was keen to continue my cricket and play in England. But I was not so keen to take risks and aggravate the injury.

Q: Were you carrying the leg injury when you went to New Zealand?

Manoj: Not at all. Initially, it was a muscular injury. A chip of the bone on my left heel had probable moved out of place. Whenever my bowling leg landed on the crease, it used to give me some pain. I was taking injections. It was not serious at all when I left for New Zealand. Later a CAT scan revealed a stress fracture.

Q: When you knew you would not be able to give 100 percent, why did you insist to the team management in New Zealand that you be included in the team as a batsman ?

Manoj: I did not insist that I be included. I only told the skipper and manager that I did not feel the pain while batting and hence be allowed to play. Both Azharuddin and Wadekar are my well wishers. They advised me to avoid further injury to the leg. They knew I had a few more years of competitive cricket left in me. Thus, I took their advice and returned home.

Q: You have been an active cricketer, representing India on home and away series for the last five years. How does it feel now sitting at home watching your colleagues play ?

Manoj: I feel miserable. But I can't do anything about it. Can I?

Q: Are you taking any special measures to get back into shape for the winter season cricket ?

Manoj: Yes, I am regularly going to the health club and keeping myself physically fit. Of course, I am avoiding jogging, for the time being.

Q: Now that you are not going to play in English league, will you play in some of the capital's hot weather tournaments ?

Manoj: No, I will avoid them. The wickets here are too hard and would only be harmful to my leg at this moment. I'll just continue with my regular exercises.