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Young guns in Indian team react with joy Anand Vasu - 3 September 2000
Being selected to play for India is the greatest achievement for any aspiring cricketer. In recent times the image of the game has taken a bashing with allegations of betting and match fixing flying around in plenty. In that scenario it is heartwarming to see that the selectors have decided to give some youngsters a chance. Speaking to CricInfo's Anand Vasu, Yuvraj Singh, Reuben Paul, Mohammed Kaif and Sridharan Sriram talk about various things that are going through their mind at the moment. They are all together in being happy, excited and keen to do well. They also remember fondly the people who have helped them get this far. Excerpts:
Yuvraj Singh: I have been expecting the call to play for India and am very happy that it has come. Actually playing for India is going to be a great feeling. It has been a long wait, but I don't think it has been a difficult wait. We have been training non-stop at the National Cricket Academy and there hasn't been any time to make it a difficult wait! My parents, my coach Mr. Bawa and my friends have really helped me to get here. I rate my chances of being in the final eleven very high because players like Jadeja and Azharuddin are not playing. But it's still not easy. If I do get a chance I would like to play my natural game. That has what got me this far and I'd like to continue in the same manner.
Reuben Paul: I'm very thrilled to be a part of the preparatory camp. For me it's a dream come true. Everything comes at the right time. God has his own purpose and plan. I'm grateful to God for what has happened to me. I think I'll be useful as a wicket keeper who can bat at any place in the side. I've batted at all positions for my state and I hope I come good for India in whatever position I bat. My parents have helped me a great deal. Even though we come from a family that is not rich, they have always encouraged me to play cricket. We have struggled quite a bit in the past, sometimes even for food. It is quite amazing that my parents encouraged me to play despite all this. Robin Singh has been guiding me from the beginning of my career. He used to constantly tell me to believe in myself and to work hard. Today I'd like to look back and give something to my parents and to Robin Singh for helping me get where I am.
Sridharan Sriram: I'm obviously very delighted at being one of the probables for the Indian team that will take part in the ICC Knock out Trophy. Actually I was a bit disappointed that I was not a part of the team that played the Asia Cup in Dhaka. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. When I came back I got the good news that I was being sent to Australia. That was a very good experience. I've come back from Australia a different cricketer. I pay a lot of attention to my bowling. I keep working at it in the nets. I'm looking forward to bowling in the nets in the camp and hopefully for India as well. I wouldn't like to brand myself either as a One-Day cricketer or as a Test cricketer. A Test cricketer can always adapt to play limited overs games. My grandfather was instrumental in my taking to the game. The rest of my family too has helped me a great deal. My employers MRF, Mr. TA Sekhar in particular and others like WV Raman, M Senthilnathan, N Gautham and Hemang Badani have helped me along the way. They have all stood by my side. It has been a tough climb. I have struggled a bit at times and I'd like to remember my friends and well-wishers for motivating me and keeping me going. I am what I am today because of all of them. As the saying goes, `Remember those you meet on the way up, because you'll meet them again on the way down.' What goes up has to come down. How long you stay at the top is up to you.
© CricInfo
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