CALCUTTA, May 27: Mohammad Azharuddin is keen to stage a comeback, and he is going to work hard to make it possible. ``I know I didn't play too well in the West Indies, but at the end of the season, I don't think I played that badly either,'' the former Indian cricket captain said at the Eden Gardens today. Azhar is an invitee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India for the second final of the Independence Cup.

``I do feel disappointed at not being selected for the Independence Cup, after all this is a very prestigious tournament,'' he added. ``I would have loved to play in it.'' He added that he was practising at least five times a week now. ``I have plenty of time, no tours, no matches...'' The former skipper feels that he still has three years of cricket left in him.``Within a week's time, I'll get back to my fitness schedule. I might start playing squash or something to stay in shape.''

Azhar does not think he was struggling with the bat. ``It was just that I was not getting runs.'' Towards the end of the West Indies tour, he feels, he was coming good again.

``But then if you are not playing well, you cannot complain if you are dropped.''

He does not want to blame anybody for his getting dropped. He would not comment when reminded that it was being said that the team captain did not want him in the team.

``I do not want to speak on that. It won't be right.'' He admitted that he was a little surprised when the team manager informed him of his exclusion.Azhar scoffed at suggestions that towards the end, he had stopped playing for the team. ``That is not true,'' he said. ``I have always played for the team and will continue to do so if selected again.'' He added that he had often been misinterpreted when he said he was enjoying the game.

``People thought enjoying means playing carelessly. In fact, I was enjoying because India were winning.''

Even the criticisms that he started playing recklessly were unfair, feels Azhar.

``I was going at the loose balls only,'' he defended himself. ``At times you have to change your batting style to suit the needs of the team. That is what I did.''

Azhar put to rest rumours that he will play for Mumbai in the next domestic season. ``Wherever I stay, I will continue to play for Hyderabad. I might have had some differences with the Hyderabad cricket officials in the past, but I have to agree that whatever I am today is because of Hyderabad.''

He also would not agree that he was unapproachable. ``I have always been friendly with everyone. I only wanted people to discuss my game and not anything outside it. I am ready to accept criticism on a bad shot but when it said I played bad for non-cricketing reason, I do feel bad.''

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.