Javagal Srinath Reminices The Time When BCCI Imposed A Forced Break On Him In 2002

Former Indian speedster Javagal Srinath reflected on his career sabbatical, disclosing his unhappiness with the selectors. After India toured West Indies in 2002, the BCCI imposed a break on the veteran fast bowler during the final part of his career. The same break resulted in Javagal Srinath missing out on the high-profile tour of England, involving four Tests.

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Known as the Mysore Express, VVS Laxman hailed Javagal Srinath for triggering a revolution amongst the fast bowlers in India. The cricketer-turned-referee featured in 67 Tests and 229 ODIs between 1991 and 2003, picking up 236 and 315 wickets respectively. He retired after the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

Speaking of the same incident, Srinath was unhappy when the selectors slapped him with a break after the tour of West Indies without him needing to take one. The veteran felt agitated as he wanted his career not to go in anybody else’s hands.

“I think before the World Cup, we had toured West Indies Without my knowledge, the selectors told me I had to take a break. Generally, we used to have a talk and then I used to volunteer saying ‘look I need a break’. But this time they just said ‘we’re giving you a break’ and that didn’t go well with me. Obviously, I was a little upset. I didn’t want my career to be played in the hands of anybody.” Srinath stated as quoted by Sportskeeda.

Ganguly called me and said ‘look, you better be part of England tour: Javagal Srinath

The 50-year-old went on to claim that the then captain Sourav Ganguly persuaded him to be on the plane to England, which he refused. Javagal Srinath decided to come back and play the World Cup in South Africa after he cooled down.

“I missed the England tour. Of course, Ganguly called me and said ‘look, you better be part of England tour’. I was upset and told me ‘No, I wouldn’t be. I should have played for India than playing County. Later when things cooled down, I decided to come back. I wanted to play the World Cup. See every World Cup is like a generation” he added further.

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