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Madan Lal waxes optimistic as camp moves into high gear

"The new probables in the camp have shed their inhibitions and begun performing well, they are now meshing with the senior players," Indian coach Madan Lal said in Bangalore today, summing up proceedings on day four of the ten-day camp for the India probables for the upcoming Asia Cup quadrangular ODI in Colombo beginning July 14.

Speaking to the media at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, venue of the camp, Madan Lal said that all players had got used to the conditions, and were now batting and bowling close to their peak. "Fortunately, the monsoons have not really affected our camp, the weather has been kind to us and everything is going well," Lal said.

The Indian manager felt that left to himself, he would have preferred a 21-day camp. "But even this ten day camp should be enough to get them match fit again," Madan Lal said.

Asked how the probables were progressing, Madan Lal said, "Quite good, there are no injuries or fitness problems though Abey Kuruvilla is recovering from a fever, and has not begun taking part in the actual sessions. I want him to be fully fit first, then he can join the rest of the team."

Asked whether Dr Paraki, the alternate medicine expert, would continue playing the role of team psychologist, Madan Lal said that some players had sought individual appointments, and these would continue. In the meantime, yet another psychologist has volunteered his services, but Madan Lal turned the offer down. "I don't want to confuse the boys," he said.

Meanwhile, selection committee chairman Ramakanth Desai arrived in Bangalore to join Shivlal Yadav and Sambaran Bannerjee, who have been camped here. Kishen Rungta and M Pandove, the other two selectors, are expected on Saturday.

The team for the Asia Cup will be picked on July 7.