India's new faces delighted at selection

The Indian team picked to participate in the upcoming one-day tri-series in Sri Lanka involves two new faces - batsmen Suresh Raina and Y Venugopal Rao - and a recall in the form of JP Yadav. Greg Chappell, coach of Indian team, has been emphasising the need to bolster bench strength, and with the selectors clearly looking to the future, the three players were selected keeping the 2007 World Cup firmly in mind. Understandably, they were delighted at the opportunity to don India colours.

Suresh Raina, the 18-year-old Uttar Pradesh cricketer who had made the Indian team for the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka, said that his selection was not entirely unexpected. "I'm happy. It is a result of my hard work," Raina was quoted as saying in Deccan Herald. "I'm confident of doing well if given a chance."

A left-handed batsman, Raina has averaged over 43 runs in 15 first-class matches so far. He has made no secret of the fact that he regards Rahul Dravid as his idol, and Raina claims to have impressed him during the recent camp in Bangalore. "(Selection) was not a surprise as Greg Chappell and Rahul Dravid had appreciated my batting," he told The Hindu. "I have also the experience of playing in Sri Lanka on an under-19 tour."

For Y. Venugopal Rao, the Andhra Pradesh middle-order batsman, the news of his selection was a "dream come true." He was picked on the back of a string of strong domestic performances. "Every cricketer hopes to play for India," said Rao. "I've played well over the last one-and-half-years in Ranji Trophy, first-class and for India `A' teams and I expected this call-up. I was nervous and I don't think I can sleep tonight. I just can't explain the feeling."

Rao has a first-class average of 53, and his career tally of 3907 runs includes an unbeaten 228 for South Zone against England `A' in the Duleep Trophy last year. He was visibly moved after receiving the news. "I cannot explain the feeling in words. My family called me up and broke the news," he said. "I have done well last season and I was hoping like any player in India, for a call from the selectors."

In picking the Indian team for the tri-nation tournament, the selectors recalled all-rounder Jai Prakash Yadav, last seen in the home one-day series against the West Indies in 2002. Yadav averages 40 with the bat and 24 with the ball in first-class cricket, and has been waiting nearly three years for his next chance. "It feels good. I was a little nervous when I got selected the last time, and my main aim is to grab my chance now," he said. ""From where I come, even to play two matches is a big thing. I went back and decided to focus on my bowling and prepared accordingly. After my performance last season, I was sure I would be called for the camp but getting selected is something else."

Yadav hopes to fill India's great need for a world-class allrounder. The Railways player had a magical Ranji season in 2004-05, and was hoping for a recall. "I should have grabbed that opportunity," he said. "Since then I have worked hard on my bowling too since I knew India needed a bowling all-rounder. I am much more confident than I was a few years back.

The tournament begins on July 30, with India taking on hosts Sri Lanka in a day-night match at Dambulla. West Indies are the third team in the competition.