Excerpts from an interview:

Q: As a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, what do you think went wrong with the 1999 side?

A: I still can't digest how we failed to get those three runs losing three wickets in one over with Robin well set followed by Srinath and Prasad.

Q: Your comments on Mohammed Azharuddin's captaincy?

A: It's rather unfortunate the captain is blamed, particularly when the team loses. I think Azhar has been a successful captain. If everyone on the field thinks he is the captain, co-ordination becomes easy.

'Keepers make the captains job easier....is it lacking in the present trend?

A: I would not like to be critical, but screaming from behind the stumps has become a trend these days. It's not a good sign. I have not heardforeign 'keepers doing this. My way of keeping was different. Appealing should be reasonable. You can run up to the captain and players and convey whatever you have to.

Q: Do you think it is high time Mongia retires?

A: Yes. I think it is time other 'keepers are given a look. Mongia has also been on injury list for sometime.

Q: How do you view the inclusion of MSK Prasad?

A: Since Mongia is injured, I don't see anybody better than Prasad at the moment, although he has a lot to learn. Unless one scouts around, it's very difficult to say who could be the better competitor.

Q: Keeping one-day cricket in mind should selectors go for 'keeper-batsmen?

A: There is the tendency to go for all-rounders in one-day game. But one miss can cost a game. To me, a 'keeper should be a specialist. If a 'keeper can bat, it's a bonus.

Q: Is there any other 'keeper in your mind who can walk into the team?

A: As I said, I must be allowed to scout around to see who is better. In South, Igot the opportunity to see and I openly say the neglected Shiruguppi is the best. Not because he is from Karnataka. Unfortunately, he did not click when it mattered. MSK is OK. I am hearing of someone from Vidarbha. He also plays for Indian Cements. They have to be given equal chances to see who is consistent. There has been total ignorance on the 'keeping aspect. The grooming has not been there. I am looking forward to coach promising 'keepers.

Q: Most of the countries seem to avoid picking a second 'keeper...

A: It's something I don't agree. The opportunity to learn is missed.

Q: Who is the best at present?

A: The standards of 'keeping have deteriorated. I will not put any one into the class. There is no one at present who is anywhere near Test class. Forget world class. Nobody is looking into the technicalities of 'keeping. Basic follow-up is not there.

Q: Any suggestions for the Board?

A: I would like the Board to give me an opportunity to unearth the 'keeping talent inthe country, to coach the upcoming 'keepers and to inculcate discipline, which is lacking. A number of 'keepers, no matter how talented and highly meritorious they were, could not make it big due to lack of discipline.