Sabyasachi Bagchi: Whenever the topic of India’s tour to England pops up, one former captain’s name always comes to the scene. He is none other other Ajit Wadekar. Under his captaincy, India for the first time ever won a Test series in England against England in 1971. The 77 year old, has no interest whatsoever in the fast forward modern game. But his love for Test Cricket is still the same. While throwing questions on behalf of www.xtratime.in over phone, regarding India’s much anticipated Test series, the former captain answered in such a way that no one will ever say that he has aged ! From the start to the end of the interview I have come under the impression that he was one of those “aggressive batsman” of the 70’s. With that attacking mentality he announced, “Make Kuldeep play and England will be defeated.” Following are the excerpts:-
Q: Will India turn around from their the ODI series loss ?
Wadekar: I will say it pretty straightforwardly. If the weather conditions remain warm, just like the last few months then India has a good opportunity. But it has been raining for the last 2-3 days. If the weather conditions continues to be damp, then Advantage England. Because James Anderson and Stuart Broad will run havoc with the ‘Duke’ ball.
Q: Are you following team India recently ?
Wadekar: I did not see. Because, the present-day mortuary cricket does not look good at all. But I will look forward to the Test series. Actually people of my age have a love for Test cricket. Besides, I have a different love for England. So there is no chance to miss the Test series.
Q: Then let’s come directly to the England tour. Who are you betting on the swing conditions in England?
Wadekar: Virat Kohli is now the best among the Indian batting lineup. Yet, I have relied on Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. If those three people play well then there is a good chance to win for India to win the Test series. However, it is very necessary for the opening pair to get runs early on.
Q: Why are you so confident only about those three players ? Will you open up a bit ?
Wadekar: Murali Vijay is one of the best right-hander in the field of technique and patience. Because he has that good quality to keep his wicket. Besides, Vijay knows his off-stump very well. He is very much aware which ball to leave and how much to score. Remember, getting runs in England is very important, they have to keep this thing in mind. Pujara also had a good batting record abroad. So there will be extra confidence in him. India won the Test in 2014 at Lord’s for Rahane’s century, so we have to rely on these three figures.
Q: In your opinion, who is the ‘X Factor’ in this series?
Waddekar: For me is Kuldeep Yadav. So “Make Kuldeep play and England will be defeated.” No one else could cope with his flipper except Joe Root. Besides, history says the English batsmen can not play leg spin well. And Kuldeep is a ‘china-man’ bowler. Therefore, he should be immediately put to play in Edgbaston. Ashwin will be with him as a senior. But India has to play with one spinner. Ashwin has the experience playing in county cricket.
Q: But if you go with two spinners , a pacer will be reduced.
Wadekar: Ishant will definitely play. Among the second fast bowlers Umesh or Shami should get the nod. But personally my vote will be for Umesh. Because last year, Umesh was the best player among the fastest bowlers in all formats. Hardik should play as the third pacer. I think this is the best pace bowling lineup. But to win the test, we need to take 40 wickets in the match.
Q: The England team and the British media have already targeted Virat Kohli. In the meantime, discussing the external weakness of his off stump,
Don’t you think is this a negative side for him and the team?
Wadekar: What do you think Virat is a big fool? The boy who flashed his flabby image, has been a man dedicated to cricket, who always thinks of his fitness-diet-gym so I cannot believe that he will not be able to cope with his weaknesses. Keep an eye on his career. After becoming captain he has become a more successful batsman. And remember one thing that he has evolved a lot in the past four years. So, I would not be surprised if Virat has a great run in this Test series.
Q: Sunil Gavaskar made his debut in your captaincy. During the emergence of Sachin Tendulkar, you were the manager of the team. And now watching Virat. Is he different from them?
Wadekar: Sunny and Sachin have given the team a lot of success as a batsman. It does not have to be said again and again. Currently, Virat is ruling world cricket. But do not try to compare him with Sunny-Sachin. Time, background, opposition bowling lineup, evolution and wickets have changed over time. And the biggest thing is that Sunny and Sachin have played the Indian team at a time when the performance of the team was under recession. Just think about it, it’s crystal clear you see.
Q: Even after losing the Test series against South Africa, how can Ravi Shastri-Kohli pair be successful abroad?
Wadekar: I know Ravi since the time he played junior cricket for Mumbai. He has a great spirit to fight. Winning is everything for him. This matter is also in the same way for Virat. So chemistry among them is good. Their pairing is going to be a success and hopefully they will maintain their aggressive cricket in overseas tour.