da mrbet： Indian opening batsman Shiv Sundar Das, who was chosen as the man ofthe match in the first Test between India and Zimbabwe at Bulawayo forhis two innings of 30 and 82 not out has dedicated the award to hisparents and coach
Staff and Agencies12-Jun-2001* Das dedicates man of the match award to his parentsIndian opening batsman Shiv Sundar Das, who was chosen as the man ofthe match in the first Test between India and Zimbabwe at Bulawayo forhis two innings of 30 and 82 not out has dedicated the award to hisparents and coach. In an interview to a Kolkata newspaper, Das said,"I am a relative newcomer to the team. For me to have played a partin this historic win, is quite thrilling. I dedicate the MoM award tomy parents Uttam Das and Kanchanbala Das and to my coach KishoreMania."In the interview, Das also stated that at one point, he thought ofgoing for a hundred. "However, once Laxman got out, I decided to hangon till the end. Even Sachin Tendulkar told me to hang on till the winwas completed. After this, I decided not to get out," said Das.However, inspite of his two innings, Das is unhappy at the way hebatted. "Maybe I got the runs. However, I had a few close shaves.That is why, before the second Test begins, I will have a session withMr. Gavaskar. Since he is on this tour, I will discuss a couple ofproblems that I am having."* Das’ performance hailed in home stateCricketing circles in Orissa exploded in joy after opener Shiv SundarDas played a stellar role in India’s victory over Zimbabwe in thefirst Test at Bulawayo on Sunday. While the Orissa Cricket Association(OCA) announced at Cuttack an award of Rs. 50,000 to the batsman forhis performance in the Indian win, the first in a Test outside thesub-continent in 15 years, Das’ unassuming coach praised the opener’stemperament in taking up a challenge.”I have been impressed with Shiv Sundar’s temperament and attitude,”Kishore Mania, who honed the diminutive opener’s skill all theseyears, said. A coach with the state directorate of sports, Mania saidDas looked more and more assured as the innings progressed.Family members of the cricketer sat glued before the TV and saw Buddha(as Shiv Sundar is known at home) return to the pavilion undefeated ona brilliant 82. “Budha called home shortly after the match ended toshare his happiness with us. We asked him to continue the good workfor the country,” Uttam Das, the batsman’s father said. OCA sourcessaid Das would be presented a purse on his return.* Cricket academies a step in right direction: MalhotraCurrent Test selector and former Indian cricketer Ashok Malhotra feelsthat the establishment of zonal cricket academies is a step in theright direction for nurturing young talents in the country. Talking toreporters in Bhubaneshwar on Sunday, Malhotra said that the move wouldhelp in spotting more talented cricketers.Malhotra said he was satisfied over the composition of the Indianteam, now in Zimbabwe. Asked about the players who could figure in theone-day squad to be picked on June 13, he said it would be too earlyto speculate because the team was to play another Test at Harare. Hehowever, indicated that Delhi’s Vivek Sehwag, who created a fineimpression in the first one-dayer against Australia before beingsidelined with an injury, and Punjab all-rounder Reetinder Singh Sodhiwere in the race. Bengal wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta was also underwatch, he said.Malhotra said the present Ranji teams of Punjab and Orissa were thetwo best young sides in the country. They needed to sustain this levelof performance, he added. The success of the Orissa team whichqualified for the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy for the first timethis season was a very good sign for Indian cricket, the nationalselector said.Praising Orissa’s Shiv Sundar Das, Malhotra said the diminutive openerfrom Bhubaneshwar had cemented his place in the Test team. Formercricketers and commentators including Sunil Gavaskar are happy withhis performance, he said.* Asoka de Silva to officiate in India-Zimbabwe TestFormer Sri Lankan cricketer turned umpire Asoka de Silva is the manexpected to restore the battered image of the Sri Lankan umpires.Asoka has been assigned to officiate the second Test between India andZimbabwe along with Zimbabwean Ian Robinson starting on June 15 atHarare.The standard of Sri Lankan umpires has been highly criticized in therecent past and during the recently concluded English tour, it was atit’s lowest ebb in the first two Tests. Sri Lanka had the benefit ofsome dubious umpiring decisions in the first Test at Galle whileEngland had their share of luck in the second at Kandy. However, Asokawho has been in the international arena for a little over two yearscommanded the respect of the players in the third Test at the SSC.According to the Director of Umpiring of the BCCSL, KT Francis,English skipper Nasser Hussain in his report had admired Asoka andeven had recommended him to be picked to officiate in furtherinternational matches on a regular basis.