Renowned international cricketer J.P Yadav, who is currently preparing himself to join Railway's training camp in Delhi for the upcoming Ranji season, discussed various issues of his career and the game with me. The excerpts of our conversation are as under.
Q. Are you happy with the way your career has shaped up till now?
A. Definitely, cricket was my passion and I am lucky that my passion turned into my livelihood. I am happy with whatever I have achieved till date.
Q. The Indian selection procedure has been alleged of favouritism, regionalism and similar allegations, what's your take on this?
A. The situation was awful 7-8 years ago but today with media cameras all around an undeserved selection is impossible, nowadays players from small centers are making it to the center stage. This proves that everything is at the right place.
Q. In the history of Ranji trophy M.P has never been able to win it, what's the reason behind this in your opinion?
A. The club structure in M.P is very fragile; the intensity of club matches played in states like Delhi, Maharashtra are equal to first class matches, while our players get exposure to competitive cricket when they actually play first class cricket.
Q. Cricketers from M.P could never sustain there place for a long time in the Indian cricket team, what factors are responsible for this failure?
A. I think its all about handling pressure, which players like me couldn't handle properly when we reached the highest level. Youngsters in metros start thinking about playing for India at the age of 15, and they are mentally prepared for it. Whereas we wonder how to maintain that performance level to sustain our place in the national side.
Q. You joined ICL after being excluded from the national side was that decision triggered by disappointment or was it a purely professional choice?
A. No, it was not disappointment, earning money and at the same time players with players like Attapattu, Shane Bond etc were the main motivation behind joining ICL. You can say that it was purely a professional choice.
Q. Recently you left ICL are you still optimistic of finding a place in the national team?
A. I am beginning from zero again; my immediate aim is to perform in the Ranji trophy and to play in the IPL. I want to fix short term goals for me and than try to achieve them one by one
Q. Where is ICL going from here, after so many international players leaving the rebel league?
A. Conducting ICL is becoming more and more tough as availability of grounds was a major concern and after so many players pulling out of this league. It's soon going to be shut. The Essel group is planning to bid for an IPL team in the next auction.
Q. Are you going to play in IPL's next season?
A. I am in conversation with KKR and CSK, but nothing is finalized till now. Things will be clear only after the next IPL player's auction.
Q. What's your opinion on the threat perceived by T-20 to one day and test cricket?
A. Test and one day is real cricket, T-20 is just for entertainment and fun. It's only the spectators who enjoy T-20, players like to play longer version of the game as they can prove themselves there. The gold rush is a temporary face and it will soon be over.
Q. Indian team is currently world no.1 in one dayers but the consistency in performance is missing, why is it so?
A. Its the injuries which hampers consistent performance and both the BCCI and the players are to be blamed. Players hide their injuries and BCCI schedules tournaments idiotically. A rotation policy should be followed and important players should be conserved.
Q. How strong is India's prospect in 2011 world cup?
A. The current team has got all the ability and the talent to be the world champions. All we need is to keep the key players fit and keep the right approach.
Q. Any message to the youngsters, who are looking for a successful career in cricket?
A. Youngsters should ask themselves what they can do best. If they are good in studies they should concentrate in it and if they are good at sports, they should go ahead with it. But whatever they do, should be done with full enthusiasm and zeal.
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