More optimistic of good showing at ICL

CHENNAI, August 30: Indian Cricket League's Chief Selector Kiran More on Thursday sounded optimistic about his players proving the critics wrong by making themselves noticed by their performance in the inaugural season.
More was speaking at the inaugural 21-day ICL camp, being held in 'Mayajaal' -- a resort-cum-entertainment park, 32 kms from the city, ahead of their first-ever Twenty20 season, starting in October.
Over 56 players, including former India players Hemang Badani, Dinesh Mongia and Tamil Kumaran, have so far reported for the camp. Those playing for English counties will not be available for the camp.
Besides the experienced players, "we have young fast bowlers, whom people do not know. When they see them performing, they will be wondering as to where these were all along. And, they can play for India," More said.
Identifying thrust areas for the camp, the former India wicket-keeper said "there will be interaction with each player. The key area is to come together. We have a lot of new coaches, who will monitor the fitness of the trainees. We are starting our season in October this year. We need to get them in their mode."
More said former players Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Pranab Roy and Rajesh Kamath of Karnataka would be the coaches who would handle the trainees during the camp.
"We also have trainers and physios to monitor these boys closely. The trainees will engage themselves in matches during the second week of the camp," he added.
About the experienced players, More said the league had players like Dinesh Mongia and Badani, who have played for India, and others starring in Ranji Trophy.
"We do not need to coach them. We will put in different strategies and experiment with batting and bowling."
Describing Twenty20 as the future of cricket, he said fitness was the key to this format. "We have made a head start. Lots are going to follow. A lot of potential is there in the current Indian team," he said.
He found fault with the selection of the Indian team for the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in South Africa.
"Lots of young guys are there. Unfortunately, we have retained the same team that played in the World Cup. What is wrong with Robin Uthappa and Gautam Ghambir? We should see them progress."
He also disagreed with the exclusion of bowler Sree Santh from the Twenty20 World Cup.
"These (players) are the future of Indian cricket. We are lacking in bowling but have an outstanding batting and fielding side."