Salil Ankola: I don't like late-lateefs as I am a very punctual person

The selectors were shocked to find latecomers in the early morning batch. A stern warning was sent out that such a casual approach will not be tolerated, said Ankola

Mumbai cricket has traditionally thrived on discipline besides its khadoos [stubborn] on-field attitude. However, that discipline was lacking on Day One of the camp-cum-selections trials that was called for by selection committee chief Salil Ankola at the Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) Bandra-Kurla Complex ground on Monday.

According to MCA’s announcement on its website, out of the 104 players shortlisted to attend the trials for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, 53 were asked to report at 8am and the rest at 11:30am on Monday. The selectors however, were shocked to find latecomers in the early morning batch. A stern warning was sent out that such a casual approach will not be tolerated, said Ankola. “I don’t like late-lateefs [latecomers] as I’m a very punctual person. Even when I used to play, I was never late. In fact, our entire team would be at the ground five minutes before time. And today I conveyed this strong message to the four-five guys who arrived late,” Ankola, 52, who represented the country in one Test and 20 ODIs, told mid-day on Monday. 

The day began with a warm-up routine followed by fielding practice and net sessions. Most of the senior batsmen, including Prithvi Shaw, Shivam Dube, Suryakumar Yadav, Aditya Tare, Siddhesh Lad and Sarfaraz Khan among others batted in the nets.

Ankola, 52, justified the need to have over 100 players at the camp. “I felt it’s not fair to see only those 75 players whom we saw earlier [before the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy]. Sure, we have to see them again, but we also have to see some new players. What are we losing in seeing 104 cricketers? Even if I see 500, what’s the problem? We have to hunt for talent because there is so much talent in Mumbai,” said the former India pacer, insisting that his initiative has yielded results. “I’ve found a few very good new boys from this lot. Around four or five newcomers have been very impressive,” added Ankola.

The camp will continue for another couple of days.

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