NEW DELHI : "Nothing but bad luck," is how Dilip Vengsarkar, chairman of the National Selection Committee, looked at India's early exit from the World Cup.

"It is difficult for me to say from here. It won't be fair for me to make conclusions without hearing the team management's explanation. It is very easy to criticise but I know how the players must be feeling. It was shattering for them and for most of us here too but that doesn't give us the authority to ridicule and humiliate the players," said an emotional Vengsarkar while defending the team.

Wake up call

Reflecting on the early departure, Vengsarkar said, "Let us accept it as a wake up call that could serve us well. We have to look at the positives from the experience and I think we should back the team. This is the time when they need us most. I am sure they will regroup and do well in the international fixtures in the coming season."

The former Test captain stood by the players in their most difficult period. "Please remember that the very same players bring glory to the team. They need to be backed, especially when things have gone against them."

"Who would have believed that India would lose to Bangladesh. India was tipped by most experts to win the Cup. It was nothing but bad luck. I am not trying to offer excuses but we must accept that it was a bad phase and proved costly because of the format of the tournament."

He was critical of the stand taken by most of the media, especially the electronic medium.

"It is unfortunate that most of the TV channels are trying to provoke the common man with some unprofessional coverage. It is stage-managed because no genuine cricket lover would try to harm the cricketers or their family members and want to destroy their property. It is really unfortunate. What is the need to highlight such incidents?"

The team, according to Vengsarkar, was the best available for the big event.

Best team

"I think we picked the best possible team. We looked at various options and tried to do a good job. But that one defeat against Bangladesh pushed us back. We may beat Bangladesh ten times out of ten but that one off day will rankle."

Backs decisions

Vengsarkar did not wish to criticise the team management for the playing eleven against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. "In hindsight one can always say a lot but we must remember that we had some very competent people to make the decisions. I back them because I don't believe in ifs and buts."

On suggestions to improve Indian cricket, Vengsarkar said, "I am repeating what many have been saying for a long time that we must have more tours for the junior players. It is almost two years since we sent our India `A' team overseas.

Playing away from home is an important factor in your grooming process and we have neglected this aspect for long. Here, the National Cricket Academy will play a major role in preparing the players for the future."

The selection committee chairman argued this was a very talented team and deserved support from all quarters. "Most of the members in this team are in their early or mid twenties and promise a lot for the future. It is a good crop of talent and we need to have faith in them."

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