Dravid to don 'keeper's mantle

By Our Special Correspondent

CAPE TOWN, OCT. 22. India's vice-captain Rahul Dravid has been told by the tour selectors that he has to keep wickets in the next match against Kenya to be played at Paarl on Wednesday. This move by the Indian tour selection committee is likely to cut short the international career of wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta.

The Bengal stumper, Dasgupta, has played five Internationals. He was picked for the tri-series ahead of Sameer Dighe and Haryana's Ajay Ratra on the strength of his batting potential and because former Australian wicketkeeper Rodney Marsh had told people who matter that Dasgupta was a brilliant wicketkeeper.

Chairman of the Indian selection committee, Mr. Chandu Borde, justifying Dasgupta's selection had said: ``There is not much difference between Dasgupta and Ratra. But we feel Dasgupta is a better batsman and that's why he is in the team.''

Apparently, there is a feeling among the tour selectors that Dasgupta is not yet `ready' for India. The debacle against Kenya at Port Elizabeth has made the captain and coach work overtime in finding ways to make that things fall in place in the match against Kenya.

Dravid has kept wicket for India in the past and the circumstances are such that he has to heed to the request of his captain.

Apart from Dravid taking Dasgupta's position, the tour selectors are also likely to include Venkatsai Laxman in the team. Laxman is scheduled to arrive here on Tuesday morning. What is, however, not known is his position in the batting line- up. Laxman will come in for Shiv Sundar Das and Reetinder Singh Sodhi is being regarded as a possible replacement for Dasgupta.

The team had a training-and-practice session at Paarl on Monday. While the team is all geared up to for the crucial match against Kenya, reports that the lights at Paarl are `good enough' is causing genuine concern.

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Section  : Sport
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