Dilip Vengsarkar, skipper of the 1989 Indian team to the West Indies, lashed out at Azharuddin on the side's return home. ``He was virtually running away and throwing his bat at the ball...How can an India batsman play like this in these days when batsmen have the security of helmet, chest guard and arm protectors?'' Vengsarkar fumed.

Azhar had similar problems in Pakistan against Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis and was nearly axed from the eleven before Raman Lamba providentially injured himself on the eve of the second Test and pulled out. Azhar survived with a second innings century in that Test.

Azhar wasperhaps at his best abroad during the English summer of 1990 when the weather was hot and the pitches were batsmen-friendly. But Azhar's vulnerability becomes evident when the ball does something off the pitch or in the air. When the ball is flying around the rib cage, he seldom tries to hang around, giving the impression of prefering the comforts of the pavilion.

A reason, perhaps, for his pathetic record in the West Indies, Australia and South Africa. On the 1997 tour of West Indies, Azharuddin looked appalling right through. In the Tests and tour games he was often left wondering where the next run would come from. He was only marginally better in the one-dayers. To make matters worse there was a feeling that he was not giving his 100 per cent to skipper Sachin Tendulkar.

That feeling persisted even in Sharjah when it looked like he was trying to get his partner or himself run out. Sunil Gavaskar had then commented: ``There would be no tomorrow for Azhar if he ran himself out.'' Azhar was summoned bythe board on return home and given a pep talk about his attitude.

Azhar's attitude problems with fellow players has been well documented, especially his relationship with Bishen Bedi, Gavaskar, Vengsarkar, Ravi Shastri, Manoj Prabhakar, Kapil Dev, Navjot Sidhu, who walked out of the team in England in 1996.

He has also had a running battle with his hometown media in Hyderabad for the last decade, though he now courts the same people.

Azhar believes he has to lead India in the World Cup. But he has done precious little outside the sub-continent to support his claim. One Test win abroad (in Sri Lanka) in 10 years is not something to crow about. India have lost everywhere, even in Zimbabwe and New Zealand, under him. Against Pakistan we have lost even in our own den.

Despite being the captain and the seniormost player, the aloof Azhar does not inspire youngsters with his public comments. A recent example of which was telling the media recently that a vital catch dropped by him was not his but VVSLaxman's. It smacked of poor leadership.

If the selectors and the Board believe this kind of attitude and approach can guide India to winning the World Cup, then they are out of touch with reality.