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Reward for hardwork: Raina, Rao

PTI | ByPress Trust of India, Bangalore
Jul 23, 2005 03:51 PM IST

Suresh Raina and Venugopala Rao, the two uncapped players named in the Sri Lanka tri-series, believe thier impressive performances in the domestic season did the trick.

Suresh Raina and Y Venugopala Rao, the two uncapped players named in the Sri Lanka-bound Indian squad for the tri-series, say their inclusion is a result of hardwork and dedication.

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HT Image

"I am very happy; I worked for it," says Raina, the teenager from Uttar Pradesh, who many believe has the potential to evolve into a fine all-rounder.

Making no secret that Rahul Dravid is his idol, the 18-year-old elegant left-hander said he had been working with "the wall" himself during the fitness and cricket skills camp, taking useful tips from him.

Raina's inclusion is seen as the selectors' desire to invest in youngsters and part of their stated goal to build a team for the 2007 World Cup.

Venugopala Rao, the Andhra batsman, believes his impressive performance in the domestic season did the trick.

Noting that he did well in the Ranji Trophy and Deodhar and Duleep Trophy engagements, Rao said he was confident that he would get the nod. On Sunday, he again impressed with the bat in a benefit match, notching 91 runs.

In the case of Jai Prakash Yadav who also made the cut, the Railway all-rounder is back in the squad after a gap of three years; He played in two one-dayers in 2002.

All-round abilities and a good stint in the domestic season seems to have found favour with the selectors. Yadav expressed delight at his inclusion.

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