TOP-RATED INDIA DETERMINED TO JUSTIFY COMPUTER RANKING

India's cricket team  leaves  here  Friday  to  take  part  in  a
limited-overs tournament in New Zealand, hoping to live up to its
computer-aided status as the  best  one-day  combination  in  the
world.

The Indians, led by  stylish  strokeplayer  Mohammad  Azharuddin,
will  take on Australia, South Africa and the Kiwis in the Febru-
ary 15-26 tournament being organised to celebrate  the  centenary
of New Zealand cricket.

India, the top team in one-day cricket according  to  the  latest
Deloittes   computer  rankings,  are  looking  for  their  fourth
limited-overs success this season after winning the Singer Cup in
Sri  Lanka, the triangular series at home against New Zealand and
West Indies, and a separate rubber against West Indies.

"There is no pressure just because we are  number  one,"  manager
Ajit  Wadekar said during the 14-man squad's preparatory training
camp at the Air Force ground here.

"All rankings are forgotten once the boys take the field, but  we
are  determined not to let up on our victory streak this season,"
he said.

Azharuddin, India's most successful test  captain  with  10  vic-
tories  under  his belt, said: "Last year in New Zealand, we drew
both the one-off test and the one-day series because  we  allowed
them to bounce back. It's time for us to get tough and win.

"I am not making a prediction that my team will win  the  trophy,
but  if the players promise me they will be tougher mentally this
time, then we should stand a good chance."

Off-spinner Ashish Kapoor, who made his test  debut  against  the
West  Indies in December, and seamer Prashant Vaidya are the only
ones in the team yet to play a one-day international.

India take on New Zealand in their first match in the round-  ro-
bin competition on February 16 at Napier.

 Contributed by vicky (vigneswa@sisko.ecs.umass.edu)