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The Madan Lal Chat

So Dodda's been given the ditch. Bad for the kid. But Mongia? Why did he have to go?

Any comments on the match fixing issues Mr Madan lal

The final eleven could be ( in the order of appearance ) Ganguly, tendulkar, dravid,Azhar, jadeja,robin singh, saba karim,kumble, Prasad, Kuruvilla,david/mohanty/nilesh in the order of preference. First choice would be david because he is a good fielder, second mohanty because we would be needing another medium pacer for the test series, and last would be nilesh simply because we have two other "spinners" out of which one can't be removed from the team, and the other has more "experience" than him.

NAMASKAAR MADAN BHAI !!!!

Hi all, who's in the 16?

Madan Bhai, why do our players keep failing at critical junctures. Why don;t we have a player like Steve waugh?

You musta heard about the case in Bombay filed against some senior cricketers. It was heard on an extension, the cops say. What do you say about it?

Mr Lal: Who are the players involved in match fixing?

Mr.Madan - What are teh strategies against Anwar, Jayasuriya, De Silva( player specific, as opposed to 'bowl well')?

Madan sir, what was the criteria for picking up the 27 probables for the camp ? 'coz there are many players who could have merited a position in the camp in replacement of some of the existing members.

What about Prabhakar's allegations. Is there some preliminary report coming in? Or will this matter too be hushed up?

What has been the greatest cricketing acheievement of your life?

Has Indian crciket lost the killer instinct. The performance has been very inconsistent

Why are we unable to produce top quality pace bowlers. And to make matters worse, our spin attack seems to be deteriorating. What are we doing about this?

Mr. Madan Lal, What happened to all the allrounders ? Kapil Dev, Roger Binny, Ravi Shastri, Manoj Prabhakar and yourslef to name a few were greaat allrounders. Why have we seen this decline ? I mean we continue to choose Robin Singh who is really quite old in comparison. Where have all tha allrounders gone ?

Hello MadanLal, do you have a strategy for a 50 over assault where the team scores 400+ or are you waiting for SL or Australia to do it so that you can "try" to copy them?

griller: we have been hearing about the need for a physcial trainer. a new season has started. what happened? and what about a more contemporary physio? it is not just the players alone these days. why can't we give them more help?

griller: we have been hearing about the need for a physcial trainer. a new season has started. what happened? and what about a more contemporary physio? it is not just the players alone these days. why can't we give them more help?

Mr Madan Lal, Why was Vinod Kambli not chosen, inspite of his good performance in the last match?

Madan, your replies are fast as your bowling used to be :-)

Madan!! WHy is that "LOTTERY MASTER" Azharuddin is being given chances again and again?? He has batted recklessly throughout the last season. Please make him the 12th man for the whole tour.

How do you guys view the new, less patriotic, more professional (money-making) players. Even Gavaskar is supposed to have asked for cash for an interview from a reporter who couldn't have been carrying more than Rs 20. Has cricket come so low?

Madan sir, I believe that the policy of investing in the future is paying off, though a bit slowly. Personally I have no problems if the team loses, but it's the match-fixing accusations that hurt me as a cricket fan. Plus the inclusion of certain players who are not consistant in their performance. BTW why wasn't there a judicial enquiry into the match fixing accusation?

Madan Lal, what do you think of Amay khurasia, Sharath and Hrishikesh Kanitkar?

Mr. Lal. During the Windies tour, time and time again Azhar batted without keeping the team's priority in mind. Isn't that true? If so, have you talked to him about that? If not, why did you drop him, and then take him back??

What qualities do you think got R M Shetty selected. We hear he has shown indifferent initiative in his college. Or does he concentrate on cricket?

Investing in the future is OK if you see potential. I do not see any good pace bowlers in the Indian team. What future? I think batting will improve but what about bowling?

griller: gee, we are slow today, aren't we? i say, let's answer each other. for a start, do we want to ask each other who debashish mohanty is? has he done enough in domestic cricket? what was the point in investing in dodda ganesh?

madan sir, why is it that the selectors are so different in their choice of the best eleven in the country, as compared to other cricket experts, former players, current players, and the whole nation in general. Do the selectors see something more than the millions of cricket followers in the country ? These fans follow cricket more religiously than the selectors who appear in just one match before the selection procedure.

i though youy wanted questions..now we want answers please..

indian>> Kambli was not chosen because he would have flopped against Vaas and that would have been the end of his career. Now when Azhar goes out, they can sneak him back into the team!!!!

If you are going to invest in the future then do so fully. Why keep Azhar and prevent another good player from getting valuable experience?

For your information Madan Lals statistics Madanlal Udhouram Sharma Born: 20 March 1951, Amritsar Major Teams: India, Delhi, Punjab. Known As: Madan Lal Batting Style: Right Hand Bat Bowling Style: Right Arm Medium Fast Test Debut: India v England at Manchester, 1st Test, 1974 Last Test: India v England at Leeds, 2nd Test, 1986 ODI Debut: India v England at Leeds, Prudential Trophy, 1974 Last ODI: India v Pakistan at Hyderabad (Deccan), 3rd ODI, 1986/87 Career Record: TESTS (career) M I NO Runs HS Ave 100 50 Ct St Batting 39 62 16 1042 74 22.65 - 5 15 - Balls M R W Ave Best 5 10 SR Econ Bowling 5997 188 2846 71 40.08 5-23 4 - 84.4 2.84 ONE-DAY INTERNATIONALS (career) M I NO Runs HS Ave 100 50 Ct St Batting 67 35 14 401 53* 19.09 - 1 18 - Balls M R W Ave Best 4w 5w SR Econ Bowling 3164 44 2137 73 29.27 4-20 2 - 43.3 4.05

I don't know Mohanty's ability but his inclusion will be a boost to Orrisa cricket. I hope promising players from pune and kerla are picked too. Hey! Is Kanitkar in the team??

The players don't respond to a taskmaster. We have seen how they reacted to Mr Bedi. I believe you are a tough cookie, Sir. Do the players respond well to your instructions?

FLUKEMASTER Jadeja is in the team as a SPECIALIST BATSMAN but he has averaged only 25 in his last 10 matches. This average is acceptable for an allrounder but Jadeja does not bowl. Why is he selected?

Still waiting for an answer to atleast one question of mine.

What is the logic of keeping Sidhu who is never physically fit. He must first prove his durability and physical fitness before being included in the team. Comments?

Madan Sir, Why was Dodda ganesh not picked up even for the camp. And the comments by Mr Ramakant Desai that- "He has been given two tours and has not improved one bit, we do not think he, at present, deserves a place in the side. He is young, he should try to improve and force his way back into the team." Sir, what signals it will sent to the young players.

MADANBHAI, please answer - what is Jadeja's role - batsman or allrounder? And please tell us what you think of Kanitkar, Sharath and Khurasia?

why is it that Indians are always so close to winning but yet so far

Why do our bowlers get rattled so quickly when they get hit around a few times. Is it lack of discipline, confidence or faith in the selectors?

Personally, I have more confidence in the younger generation of cricketers, and the new comers than the older cricketers in the team (sidhu, azhar, jadeja, robin singh) especially after the match fixing allegations. With the new-comers we will atleast get triers, if not achievers. What's the general opinion on this ?

Madan>> Isn't it "risky" to open with Sachin when we are chasing big targets?? Why can't we try a WicketKeeping pinch hitter like SammerDighe or Rueben paul? Or why not try Robin Singh or Karim when we are chasing big scores?

hi madanlal will we see a change in approach in the current season like being aggressive on the field instead of talking of the field about it

Is it not true that, most of the time you keep time during matches, without commenting on players perfomances or ups and downs in the matches ?

MadanLal:You have yet to answer ANY of my questions.

this is atul huckoo from dubai. i have been hearing about our rebuilding since 1969. any chance for the construction to get complete?

madan why is not robinsingh tried in test matches i believe given an opportunity he can be a good allrounder in the tests also

this is atul huckoo from dubai. i have been hearing about our rebuilding since 1969. any chance for the construction to get complete?

Whats the news on Javagal Srinath ? Will he be the bowler he used to be ? I personally doubt he would be able to generate that kind of pace after shoulder injuries of that kind ..

How would you rate Indian facilities compared to the other cricketing nations? How much does this contribute to our lack of success?

Mr. Madan Lal, sir, are the selections made purely on cricketing merits or have they been subjected to regional pressures as is usally the case? Otherwise, why would deserving players like Wasim Jaffer, Amol Mazumdar and a few others left out in the cold?

Can someone list the 16 please?

Hello folks, Nice to join with you, although late !

Hiya, Madan, how you doing? The new season is beginnig nerxt week. Do you think India will move up the world ratings to end in the top three by this time next year?

Where would you rank the indian team amongst the 9 nations. (One Day ranking only please)

Madanbhai>> PLEASE TELL ME WHAT IS THE FLUKE MASTER "AJAY JADEJA"'s role in the team?? He is not a Batsman (his average is 25 for the past ten games), he lets us down in critical situations, he can't bowl; So, why is he playing in the XI. Can't we take a specialist batsman instead of this useless Jadeja. (Make him the 12th man). Madanbhai>> Ok! So u imply that we are going to see a more flexible bowling attack against the Srilankans/Pakistani's. Fine.

Madan Bhai, you haven't answereed a single question I have asked. Do you feel uncomfortable?

Raj ---you are funny man.(laptop query to madan lal)*laughing heaps*

Madanji: Do you think Sachin should be replaced as the captain of India since oflate he is not performing up to the mark?

Mr. Madan Lal, don't you think Ganesh and Laxman did enough in the last two tours to deserve another chance?

please correct my question as, "is it not true that, most of the time you keep quite during matches, without commenting on player's performances or ups and downs in the matches ? If so why ?

Is it not true that, most of the time you keep time during matches, without commenting on players perfomances or ups and downs in the matches ?

I think we have much better cricketers in the country than Jadeja. Why is he in the team. Regarding not sending azhar as a pinch hitter, wouldn't this be inflexibility in strategy. I mean, it is a good idea, and anyway, he hardly performs in the middle order, and normally causes collapses in the middle order, so why not use him as a pinch hitter ? If we substitute azhar and jadeja in the middle order, we should have a pretty stable batting line-up. Maybe then we can concentrate on the bowlers.

Mr. Madanlal, I have been following indian cricket very closely for the past one year. I see that Rahul and Azhar have given some good patrnerships and seem to enjoy playing together. Instead of sending Rahul at No 3 and Azhar at No 6 or No 7, I think Rahus should be at No 3 and Azhar at No 4. Comments Please.

griller -1969? So it is true. there was a time whenn we weren't *rebuilding*..too bad it was before I was born

now with sidhhu and azhar back in the team who will be dropped for the onedayers because jadeja and robinsingh are fixed for 3 and 4 down spot and dravid for 1 drop and sachin opening what is the point in recalling these two if it is going to be difficult to accomodate will saurav be the scapegoat again

Oh MAdanbhai! You will be having a nice time with two of your "favourite" players "LotteryMaster" Azharudin and "InjuryMaster" Sidhu in the team !!!

Tendulkar is not exactly the best thinker in the game. India has lost some games, in the recent past, courtesy his inexperience and lack of judgement. It was some times felt that he led the side wearing 'blinkers'. Have we made the right decision? Even a Jadeja, as he demonstrated, when deputising for Tendulkar in one of the recent games, is a better strategist and a thinker.

WHAT ABOUT JADEJA? HE HAS AVERAGED JUST 25 IN LAST 10 MATCHES AND DOES NOT BOWL. WHY IS HE IN THE TEAM?

Any comments on you being called "The fastest offspinner in the world".

Madan>> Why has sidhu been selected for the ODI's?? He is not the best of fielders. We have Sachin/Ganguly doing well in the opening slot. It would have better to try out Kurasia or Kanitkar. Or is he in due to "Punjab Quota"?? or do the selectors just want to keep you in "control" by selecting players you are not happy with??

a Madansahab, Are you going to continue your predesessor's dictum of a 'mobile free' dressing room.

mr. madan lal, i agree to your answer to raghu. we have a very talented side and we have gained lot ofexperience playing various teams around theworld. do you think it will always remain like this? rebuilding and rebuilding and rebuilding? are we going to win some games overseas or should be accept building contracts? and don't tell me that we have won various games at home? if we can't win those, then we should play gilli-danda! awaiting reply.atul from dubai !!

I asked your views on some youngsters - Khurasia, Sharath and Kanitkar. You haven't replied yet.

Which is the quality you think that "a indian cricket team manager needs most, knowledge of cricket, management, politics or a good cricketer ??

Mr madan, have you ever considered logging into the net, and visiting one of the thousand chat sites on cricket. You might just get some pretty good ideas there. I don't mean to say that you, or tendulkar is not a good strategist, but hundred brains will always think of more possibilities than two brains. I visit such sites daily, and find very good and thoughtful ideas.

Madanji: What was your feeling when you took out Vivian Richards in the Prudential world cup final? Did you feel at that juncture you will win the finals?

How did you feel when Saeed Anwars whacked our bowlers around like that in his 196 ?/

Exactly Manish!! The biggest culprits in the team are Azhar and Jadeja!! Madanbhai>>Please answer my query about "HolyCow"-"FlukeMaster" AjayJadeja!!

Madan sir, if you intend to play sidhu in the middle order, whom do you intend to drop ? Ganguly, tendulkar, dravid, sidhu, azhar, jadeja, robin singh. If you accomodate sidhu you must drop either azhar or jadeja, coz you will need robin singh as a bowler. My choice would be to drop jadeja, and include sidhu, though it will mean loss of a good fielder. Anyway, 9 instead of 8 bad fielders wont make a difference.

raghu, good idea. jaane kahan gaye woh din. wonder why there was no talk of bookies then? any ideas? they couldn't have mushroomed overnight?

ML:You seem unwilling to answer the tough questions. Please respond to some of the tough questions people are asking.

Sir, why was Mongia rejected?

You say that Jadeja's job is to get quick runs. DO YOU KNOW that his strike rate is WORSE than Mongia's?!!!!!!!!!

johnny; shri ali irani, i believe, sits in on a lotof things other than team meetings. that is why he is so popular.

Why do asian coaches/captains call their players "BOYS". This is such a derogatory term. Can't you give them more respect and call them "MEN" or our "TEAM"! Comment please?

Mr madan, one thing I cant understand. What's the whole idea of regional selection for the team ? Why can't players be considered just on the basisi of performance only.

Take us back Mr. Madan Lal, that glorious day in 1983 .. What was that like ? Our greatest achievement we can never top that .. That was a great side ..

Madan, or "Madna" to your Bengali fans. I shall never forget Eden Gardens in 1977, when you made one of the most spectacular catches in Cricket History ? Bishen was bowling and Chris Olds was batting. Do you remember ? How did you do it ?