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Azhar should be retained, says Wadekar

Ajit Wadekar, the former head of the selection committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, says the Indian team will prosper under new coach Kapil Dev.

Sri Lanka's Daily News quoted Wadekar as saying that Dev, who holds the record for the highest number of wickets (434) in Test cricket, will emphasise on team fitness and also guide the young, emerging, fast bowlers.

Wadekar was last month replaced by former Test player Chandu Borde and Dev took over as coach from Anshuman Gaekwad.

''At the moment what we (India) lack is fitness and good fielding. That's exactly what Kapil will harp on,'' Wadekar told the newspaper, adding that bowlers like Ajit Agarkar, Debashish Mohanty and Laxmi Ratan Shukla will also benefit from Dev's experience.

''The team seems to be quite good, but unfortunately they have not clicked together in all three departments -- batting, fielding and bowling. But under the leadership of (captain) Sachin (Tendulkar) and the guidance of Kapil, I think they will be able to do really well,'' Wadekar said.

He said India should retain former captain Mohammad Azharuddin in the team as he is a useful middle-order batsman, especially when the team plays at home.

The selectors yesterday announced the team for the first Test against New Zealand, to be played at Mohali from Sunday, overlooking Azharuddin.

Azharuddin, who was severely criticised for his captaincy during the World Cup, has not played since June when he underwent surgery for a shoulder injury.

UNI