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Chappell doing great: Azhar(The Times of India Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)LUCKNOW, Dec 29: In his heydays, he was the among the fittest cricketers under the sun. And after having played his last match for India more than five years ago, Mohammad Azharuddin still looks athletic and energetic. In the city to play a veterans Indo-Pak one-dayer, Azhar gave some valuable cricketing insights while speaking to Times News Network. Excerpts: On the BCCI's stance on asking some players to play Ranji matches prior to the Pak tour: The Board should have implemented this a little before. Players must focus on the domestic front also whenever they get a chance. This boosts the state team like anything. On Greg Chappell's experimentations: I feel he is doing a wonderful turn-around to the Indian team. His experimentation is having a great positive effect. The players are on their toes all the time, they cannot take their places for granted. They have to work hard and perform to stay in the team. If a very senior player is still performing...: If he is fit and doing well for the team, he should be retained. There is no need to rest him. Already there are four players in the team who have been playing for more than 10 years. Players should not be changed unnecessarily for the sake of blooding youngsters. On the Indo-Pak series: I think it will be very competitive. Both sides are in fine fettle. The experienced players from India will hold the key, I think. On his future plans: I want to help young players. I wish to share my experience with them. I am planning an academy of my own. Any regrets?: Not really. I am satisfied with what I achieved in cricket. |