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Srinath quits international cricket, offered coaching job

Wednesday, 12 November 2003, 00:00 Hrs

BANGALORE: Speedster Javagal Srinath Tuesday announced his retirement from international cricket but was immediately offered the job of coach-consultant by the Indian board.

Speaking at a crowded press conference where Srinath made the announcement, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Jagmohan Dalmiya said the bowler's second innings would begin soon when he dons the mantle of a coach, guide and mentor to a new generation of fast bowlers.

Admitting that persistent pain in his knees despite operation and physiotherapy forced him to call it a day, an emotional Srinath said that though the motivation and desire to play for the country had not left him, he had to reconcile to the harsh reality of aging.

"I always considered it a privilege and honour to play for India at the domestic, national and international levels.

"I have no regrets though the decision to retire finally was hard to take. To have a frame of mind to play needs a healthy frame of body," Srinath explained.

Looking back, Srinath said he enjoyed every moment and every day of cricketing life despite ups and downs. He was proud to have played for the country under the captaincy of stalwarts like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Mohammed Azharuddin.

Hailing the roles of Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly in making the Indian team world beaters, Srinath said both had given Indian cricket a new dimension and thrust.

Dalmiya also paid rich tributes to the speedster.

"Srinath burst on India's cricketing scene at a time when spin bowling was in dominance and there was a dearth of fast bowlers, barring a peaking Kapil Dev," he said.

"By playing for 13 years at the national and international levels, Srinath not only inspired a generation of bowlers, but also turned out to be a role model for cricketers," Dalmiya declared.

Nicknamed "Mysore Express", the 34-year-old Karnataka product played in 67 Tests and 229 one-day internationals (ODIs).

He took 236 wickets in Tests, averaging 30.49, and 315 wickets in ODIs, averaging 28.08.

"Though Srinath was forced to retire on account of his niggling knee injury, it is not the end of the road for him as far as his association with the glorious game is concerned. He has a long way to go. Indian cricket will always remained obliged to his services to cricket and the country," Dalmiya stated.

Lauding Srinath for his exemplary conduct on and off the field, Dalmiya said the selectors would have considered him for the ensuing trip to Australia from next month had he fully recovered, as his absence from the Indian team would be conspicuous.

"With his outstanding performance, especially in the World Cup, Srinath has given a new direction to his young team mates.

"His experience and services will always be required by the BCCI and the country in grooming upcoming bowlers," Dalmiya asserted.

Source: IANS

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