Kumaran's selection a bold move

Indian selectors have traditionally adopted a conservative approach. But every now and then they are known to take a bold or unusual decision. This move might or might not come off but credit has to be given to the selectors for their attempt to get away from the rigid formula of selection.

Thirunavukarasu Kumaran being picked for the tour of Australia is certainly a step to be lauded whether the gamble - and his selection is a bit of a gamble - pays off or not. It is not that he is a novice or just another talented youngster thrown at the deep end of the pool. A bowler who is an MRF Pace Foundation trainee, has had the benefit of training under Dennis Lillee, has been sent to the Australian Cricket Academy under an exchange programme and takes ten wickets in the Irani Trophy match against Karnataka has the credentials to be encouraged. Where the selectors should be praised for selecting Kumaran is because there were a few other serious or more experienced contenders for the slot of additional pace bowler in the squad.

Kumaran, who turns 24 next month, has been the Tamil Nadu spearhead since making his debut in 1996-97. He straightaway impressed with his pace, variety, stamina, ability to swing the ball both ways and control over line and length. Last year he made giant strides, enough for him to take 46 wickets in his first full season for the State.

He got a well deserved big break when he was picked for the Rest of India side to take on Karnataka in the Irani Trophy game last month and to his credit he made the most of the opportunity. With four and six wickets in the two innings, he played a leading role in Rest of India's victory.

Close on the heels of this performance, he was sent to the Australian Cricket Academy under the exchange programme it has with the MRF Pace Foundation. The stint will certainly go a long way in sharpening any rough edges in his bowling.

It has not been a sudden rise into the spotlight for Kumaran. Indeed he has come up through the ranks, having played in domestic cricket at all levels - under 13, 16, 19 and 22. He also had a season at the Pace Academy in Chandigarh a few years ago. One only hopes he gets enough opportunities `Down Under' to prove his talent and skill and does not meet with the same fate that befell the likes of Pandurang Salgaoncar, Salil Ankola, Vivek Razdan, Yograj Singh and Randhir Singh.