A pleasant surprise for Saba Karim
Saba Karim is pleasantly surprised at being called back to the Indian team
Sakyasen Mittra
31-Oct-2000
Saba Karim is pleasantly surprised at being called back to the Indian
team. The wicketkeeper from Bengal had not been expecting this recall.
However, now that the call has come, Karim is ready to give his very
best. "Actually, it has been my dream to play a Test match for India.
I have played 34 one-day internationals. But a cricketer is never
satisfied till he can play a Test. So, I am really thrilled at getting
this opportunity to play against Bangladesh," said Karim at the Eden
Gardens today.
Karim got the news from his wife Rashmi on Monday itself. Since then
calls of congratulations have been pouring in. Karim was candid enough
to admit that he did not expect to represent the country again so
soon. "To tell you frankly, I was a bit depressed at not being called
for the two one day tournaments that India recently played in. I had
given my fitness certificate to the Board. Inspite of that, when, I
did not find a place in the squad for Nairobi and Sharjah, I thought
that my international career was as good as over. But then came the
surprise. However, I have been working very hard. I have recovered my
from the injury that I have suffered."
The Bengal wicketkeeper also informed that he was using a lens on his
right eye. "My vision has returned to normal. And I have no problems
in seeing the ball. I have been practisng with the Bengal squad for
sometime now. I have played a couple of matches also. Today, I will
leave for Mumbai to play a Times Shield match for my company." In an
emotional voice, Karim said, "My entire life is full of ups and downs.
This is definitely one of the highs. I am fully fit now to play for
the country and am looking forward to cementing my place in the
squad.'' When asked whether he was fully prepared to tackle the
strains of international cricket, Karim said, "I am ready. I have done
whatever was necessary during the off season."
Karim does not know whether there will be any preparatory camp for the
Test match against Bangladesh at Dhaka starting from November 10.
However, after returning to Calcutta from Mumbai on November 4, he
will once more train as hard as he can to put up agood show against
the debutants of Test cricket. For him the match is really an
important milestone in his life. He will not only be making his Test
debut, but will also become a part of history by participating in the
inaugural Test match against Bangladesh. Significantly, Karim had only
one last comment to offer. "It was at the Bangabandhu Stadium that a
shadow was cast on my career. I plan to re-establish myself at the
same ground."