Pacers Aniket, Nathu, Thampi on radar for future: Kumble

Pune, Feb 21 (IANS) Rajasthan pace duo of Aniket Choudhary and Nathu Singh and Kerala's Basil Thampi are on the radar as far as the future of the Indian cricket team is concerned, coach Anil Kumble said here on Tuesday.

"We have Aniket Choudhary, (Basil) Thampi, Nathu Singh as part of our scheme. Before the New Zealand tour, we had Jayant Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav as part of this kind of a crew who helped us prepare for the Tests," Kumble told reporters ahead of India's first Test against Australia, beginning here on Thursday.

"I haven't had a chance to work with them. I hardly get time to look at other domestic bowlers so I try and engage them ahead of a Test match," he added.

The Indian team management has been talking about the importance of fast bowlers in the Test side, showcasing examples where the pace battery has helped them win matches.

"It's not necessary that they will be part of the squad in near future, but looking at the series coming up or even far ahead, it's good to have them in the scheme of things and bring them into the work culture that we all expect and is needed for success at the international level," Kumble said.

"In Chennai (fifth Test against England), not many gave India a chance to win (India won by an innings and 75 runs). Even in Mumbai (fourth Test against England), we lost the toss but we won by an innings (and 36 runs) and even in Chennai."

"Even in Kolkata, we played New Zealand, it was difficult and our seamers won it for us. We are not worried about pitch or conditions," the legendary leg spinner added.

Commenting on the pitch here, Kumble said the 22-yard strip seemed good.

"It looks a good surface. We respect every opposition. We have been in the best preparation mode. The results have gone in our favour. All our players have had good run with bat and ball."

Kumble said this bunch has now become self-sufficient in dealing with challenges both on and off the field.

"I have been privileged to have a chance to work with this young lot for the last ten months. It's nice to see this squad grow and understand situations and come up with solutions. You want the team to be self-sufficient and not look over their shoulder for advice. I have tried to create an environment where the players can look for solutions on the field and off it as well.

"Some of them have played 40-45 Tests. Virat has played over 50. Achievements as an individual, people have had. They have all achieved quite a bit and someone like Ashwin is the fastest to reach 250 wickets in Test history, that's something amazing.

"Those kind of performers are really good to have in the squad and I am really happy I have had the opportunity to work with all of them," he added.

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