Mongia clueless about
not being selected

India discard Nayan Mongia says he has absolutely no clue why he is not being selected to the national side, but expressed the confidence of making a comeback soon.

The 32-year-old former India wicketkeeper, speaking at a symposium at the Mumbai Press Club on Saturday, said he is keen to know the "cricketing or non-cricketing reason" for his omission from the Indian team.

"I did ask the person concerned, but have not been able to get the right answer. It will really help me if the authorities let me know the cricketing or other reasons, if any, that determine their decision," he said, refusing to divulge the name of the "person concerned". However, after some prodding, he clarified that that person is one of the selectors.

The diminutive wicketkeeper-batsman from Baroda, whose last Test was against Australia in the 2000-01 series, pleaded: "It's a torture for me and my family not to know why I have been left out, since I have been doing well, both with the gloves and the bat.

"I know that they (the BCCI selection committee) are not answerable to me or anybody, but whatever the reason, cricketing or non-cricketing, I am ready to rectify my mistakes. It will be good for me if somebody in authority will clear the air."

Asked if skipper Sourav Ganguly harboured any animosity towards him, Mongia said, "I don't think so. I have been close to the entire team; it's like a family and nobody has complained about me having any attitude or other problem.

"I have always done what the team management asked me to and whatever was good for the team."

Reminded that there had been talk that he is not a team man, he shot back: "They [the rumours] are all humbug. Ask any of my Baroda team mates.

Mongia said he had spoken to several current India players too and nobody had given him any negative feedback about his performance and team spirit.

"I am ready to say sorry to somebody, if I have done anything wrong," he added.

Asked if he had approached team coach John Wright, he parried the query saying, "Everybody has a different answer."

He said it is "high time" he made a written representation to the BCCI, as he is physically fit and in good form, both behind and in front of the wickets.

"Nothing can be greater motivating than playing for India again and I am really looking forward to it," he concluded.