Former India captain Ajit Wadekar talks about India’s recent win against South Africa and a lot more.

By Sudheer Mahavaadi

Q: Your opinion on the way Indians fought back well to level the series and maintain the No. 1 position?
A: I reckon we deserve to be No.1 at the moment. The boys have shown a great spirit in recent times. It is never easy to win after losing the first Test in a two-match series. We could do that despite injuries to some stalwarts. VVS's (Laxman) quick recovery was a plus point as he produced yet another special innings. Sachin (Tendulkar) and Virender (Sehwag) were superb once again. Dhoni came up with a fine century too.

I understand there was a bit of criticism about some players. But I felt it was pretty common and it was again Bhajji, who produced the match-winning spell. It is not fair to criticise players when they don't perform. Even Don Bradman and Sunil Gavaskar went through bad phases. I think we have enough balance in the team and I certainly hope we should be No. 1 for few more years to come.

Q: There used to be no ratings in your days. So, how do compare the present victory to the three wins India had achieved in a row during your captaincy?
A: I don't think comparison is always fair. But it is true, that we did not have as much balance as this team has. And, beating the mighty West Indies on their home soil, which included greats such as Sobers, Lyod, Kalicharan, Rohan Kanhai and Holder was memorable. We immediately proved that the victory was not a flash in the pan by defeating the strongest England side that had just come back winning Ashes at their home.

Q: We tested our bench strength against the Proteas, but none lived up to the expectations. Do you think that they should be given some more chances?
A: Some players take time to adjust. I think Badrinath has talent and good technique. He can learn fast. Murali Vijay too is good. And players like Jaffer, Rahane and Manish Pandey are waiting too. The more chances they get the better they can become.

Q: What about our bowling - in recent times we have won only when Zaheer and Harbajan have performed?
A: To have a partner from the other end, who plays at least a supportive role, always relieves pressure on the other. Ishant and Sreesanth do look good. They bowl fast and are improving. Sreesanth unfortunately has been plagued by injuries. Harbhajan is a successful bowler because he could learn many things when Anil Kumble was around. Other spinners Mishra and Ohja too are shaping well.

Q: What do you think about strong teams playing just two-match Test series?
A: I have never liked it. It should be always be a three or five-match series. Then only you get to know your strengths and weaknesses. India were just gearing up when they won in Kolkata. They were gaining their confidence after the loss and I am sure they could have won the series, had there been another Test match. I am sure BCCI is thinking seriously about this. This year unfortunately we are also not playing many Test matches.

Q: As one of India's most successful captains, what do you think of Dhoni?
A: He is fantastic. He has all the qualities a captain requires. He has been leading from the front. He is getting good support from his teammates which I think is very important. Since he became captain, what I have felt is, he never tilts under pressure - a rare quality in a captain.

Some people have an opinion that we should have the Australian policy of different captains for different formats. But I honestly feel Dhoni is fit for all. He adjusts himself well to the situation. The century he made in Kolkata is a good example of how he adapts himself according to the situation.

Q: It is heard that the curator in Kolkota was asked to prepare a turner. Going back to 90s, when you were manager, India achieved great success at home and the same was alleged. Is it not unfair to do so?
A: A curator can not change the track overnight. The soil we use naturally helps the spinners on the final days. There is natural wear and tear because of the nature of soil. If that was the case, the matches we have won would not have lasted more than three days. If you go by the records, most of the matches went till the final day. With the kind of strong line up we have, we needn’t worry whether we play in India or abroad.