Ajit Agarkar expects a closely-fought England series

Mumbai: Former India pace bowler Ajit Agarkar has switched to golf after retirement but continues to talk about cricket on different platforms. The 38-year-old known for his probing bowling spells in ODIs also helped India in some famous Test wins especially in Adelaide in 2003 (6/41).

That win over Australia acted as a trigger to change the approach of Indian cricket in overseas conditions. Agarkar played 26 Tests, 191 ODIs and four T20Is and was a senior member of the T20 World Cup winning team in 2007. He talked to this paper on a range of issues: Excerpts

On how he picked up golf after retiring from cricket:

I have always liked golf, but I never really played it while playing cricket, I was too tired after bowling. Actually, I owe it to my friend, late Rajesh Sanghi, a former cricketer, who was after me for a while and was instrumental in making sure that I take it up as soon as I retired.

On why the current crop of Indian fast bowlers tend to have shorter careers:

Indian conditions have been discussed historically as being more spinner-friendly, and this continues to be true in the modern era as well. Hence the most physical part of the sport — that of being a fast bowler — does require a bit more patience and persistence but there is plenty of scrutiny and results are almost instantly expected. So, the relatively short careers are perhaps the reality as far as fast bowlers are concerned.

On any present quick who has impressed:

I have always a big fan of Umesh Yadav but of late Mohammed Sami has been impressive.

His predictions on the five-match Test series against England:

I hate making predictions but because it is being played in India, India are favourites. The margin is how the series pans out. Hopefully it is a competitive series and not one sided.

On being the fastest Indian to 50, 150, 200 and 250 ODI wickets and still third Indian on highest ODI wicket takers list and yet not making the 300-wicket club:

That (300) would be a nice number to have, but had someone told me at the start of my career that I would end at 288, I would have taken it gladly especially because I played for a few years for India and served the team in the best way possible that I could. It is very satisfying to go through numbers but what’s more lasting is knowing you were part of a dressing that won difficult games.

On his Lord’s hundred and the fastest ODI fifty for India:

A Test 100 is very special. For any bowler it’s a special place to get a 100. So, to be on that honour board of Lords is a remarkable moment. Every time I go there I am gripped by old memories that can never be taken never be away from me. After the match, I was told it was a record-breaking game and I am surprised nobody has still broken that record.

On leading Mumbai to their 40th Ranji Trophy title in 2012-2013 and his assessment of the present Mumbai team:

It was the first time that I led the Mumbai Ranji team. Previously I had led the one-day team. A hugely proud moment, having played for so long to actually lead Mumbai to a 40th title. But as is always the case, it helps to have a really good bunch of guys that made it even more enjoyable.