Former New Zealand allrounder Craig McMillan gave the thumbs up to the Indian selectors for bringing youngsters like Robin Uthappa and Rohit Sharma.
KOLKATA: Former New Zealand allrounder Craig McMillan gave the thumbs up to the Indian selectors for bringing youngsters like Robin Uthappa and Rohit Sharma on Sunday into the squad to gear up for the day when the old warhorses would be no more available.
While maintaining that it was 'impossible' to find replacements for players of the calibre of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly, McMillan felt the vast talent pool in India was an advantage for the side.
"I think the selectors have already started to prepare for the future when these players will not be there. They tried that successfully during the Twenty20 World Cup. They are doing that now also."
"It's true you can't replace such amazing players. But its good that India has a vast talent pool," said McMillan, who is here to attend the week-long preparatory camp of the Kolkata Tigers, one of the six teams due to participate in the
Indian Cricket League's Twenty20 venture.
McMillan was, however, sharply critical of the BCCI for banning players who join the ICL.
"It's a terrible thing that the Indian cricket board is saying these cricketers can't play for the country. It's disappointing that the BCCI even tried to stop us (those joining ICL) from playing cricket," McMillan told said.
With the Cricket Association of Bengal not allowing the ICL to host matches at the Eden Gardens, McMillan said it was another cause of disappointment for him as he had never turned out in the famed stadium.
Praising the present Indian team, McMillan said the boys have shaped up well under their young captain M S Dhoni. "The youth policy coupled with the presence of experienced players like Tendulkar seems to be paying rich dividends".
Asked whether the Indian team was in an urgent need for a genuine allrounder, McMillan said Dhoni - in his double role as keeper as also one of the frontline batsmen - had allround qualities, a la Australian Adam Gilchrist.
"You also have players like Yuvraj Singh, Tendulkar and Ganguly, who can pitch in with three or four overs," said McMillan, who retired from international cricket last month.
Asked about his on-field duels with Tendulkar, McMillan smiled and said "Ya, they did happen."
"When I bowled, I would give him bouncers too often. He would at times get bored, angry and then commit a mistake. But always regarded him as one of the greatest players. He was a very difficult batsman to bowl to," he said.
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