JP YADAV'S prayers have been answered. Having rushed to Bangalore -for the camp -- midway from the English league season, the Railways allrounder evinced hope just before the camp began that he would get the nod.
And on Monday, when news of his selection came out, he showed keenness to cement his place in the side.
"I will have to make full use of this opportunity," he said. JP, whose performance for his National side, Railways, has been the driving force behind their success this season, picked up over 50 wickets and scored more than 600 runs in first-class cricket in the year.
"I've always felt that my chance would lie in being a utility cricketer. I like to give my best in all departments," he had said. Sure enough, his first-class performances last season bear testimo ny to this.
Railways coach Vinod Sharma is one man who has used these qualities to full effect. "I can make him open the bowling, send him up the order and put him in the slips," he had said after Railways clinched the Ranji Trophy title.
It might be difficult, however,, for JP to take the new ball or even come up the order in this national side, but that doesn't worry him.
{{/usCountry}}It might be difficult, however,, for JP to take the new ball or even come up the order in this national side, but that doesn't worry him.
{{/usCountry}}"I told you, at 30, I call myself a utility cricketer."
Earlier, JP Yadav had spoken about the lack of dressing room support. Just three months ago, he had said that in his first stint, he had felt very lonely.
He played two one-dayers at home against the West Indies in 2002. In one of them, he was sent in at the death while in the other, he bowled six overs without any reward.
"I am more mature now. I guess I can handle things better," Yadav feels.