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Azhar hits back

Mohammad Azharuddin yesterday failed to find a place in the Indian team for the triangular series in Australia, starting on January 9.

After lengthy discussion, the selection committee, headed by Chandu Borde, gave in to the demands of the team management, comprising the coach, captain and his deputy, against including the former captain in the team.

Briefing the media, Borde said, "Azhar's name was discussed a lot because even Ajay Jadeja was out due to injury, but since we have a young side we thought we should continue with that policy."

However, the deposed skipper dismissed all talk about the policy as hogwash. Speaking to a the Afternoon Despatch & Courier, Bombay eveninger, today, he expressed disappointment at being overlooked despite having scored almost 500 runs in four Ranji Trophy games this season.

"What have I done to be treated like this. This is victimisation," Azhar said. "You look at my overall record, my scores in the Ranji Trophy. Do I deserve to sit out?"

He refused to concede that it was time for him to hang his gloves.

"Though all this nonsense gets to me, I will keep on fighting," he declared.

He added: "Only those with no morals would stoop so low. It is beyond my dignity to think about such things. You tell me, should not the top priority be given to the country's interests? Such things have never done any good to anybody. It is most unfortunate."

Understanding the importance of having youngsters in the side, he questioned the wisdom using different yardsticks for different players.

"What youth policies are we talking about? Robin Singh is 36; Dighe is 31," he said.