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[Zacked]

Source:  Mid-Day

ONE can imagine how Dilip Vengsarkar felt when India crashed out of the World Cup. After all, the chairman of selectors too has to accept responsibility for the team's performance considering he had a major say in the selection of the squad.
But as he would have learnt during his playing career (116 Tests and 129 ODIs), each day is a new beginning and must be viewed with renewed hope. That is exactly what Vengsarkar stressed on when MiD DAY spoke to him yesterday ahead of India's tour to Bangladesh, which opens with the three-match ODI series from May 10 followed by two Test matches.

Excerpts from a chat:

How important is this tour considering Indian cricket's rocky phase?
It is very important as we have not had a good time in these last few months. But I am extremely hopeful and positive that we will be able to turn things around with this series.
I am sure the team will do well — not just in this series but the entire season.

How difficult is it to bounce back after a poor outing in an important event like the World Cup?
The players are experienced and they know where they went wrong in the World Cup. They will be able to rectify things through their experience. I am sure their pride has been hurt and they will be looking to come out stronger and prove themselves. I am positive they will be able to rise like the phoenix from the ashes.

How much of an influence will Ravi Shastri have as manager considering he is manager for only one series?
He has played a lot of cricket, so experience is obviously there. He has also been connected to the game as a commentator, so he knows how the game is played today. To top it up, he also knows how to get things done. I have no doubt he will have a major influence on the team.

Which is the one quality of Shastri that you think will help the team?
One thing for certain is that he will be very frank with the players. With his experience as a cricketer and commentator, he will be able to speak their language. This will work to everyone's advantage.

Ramesh Powar has done well as an off-spinner but has not got going as a batsman. How important is it for him to prove his credentials as an all-rounder at the international level?
When you bat at No 7 or 8 as Ramesh has been doing, it is very difficult to score runs. When he comes in to bat in one-day cricket, he does not get more than a few overs to prove his worth. In such cases, it is difficult to judge him as a batsman considering that he has to go for big shots as soon as he comes in to bat.
But I have no doubt about his all-round ability and I am certain once he gets his opportunity, he will grab it and prove himself as an all-rounder.