Sreesanth an asset to Team India: Ananthapadmanabhan

Kozhikode, Apr 19 (UNI) Describing upcoming cricketer Sreesanth an asset to Team India, former Ranji player Ananthapadmanabhan today said the talented bowler could do wonders for the country by hardwork and maintaining fitness.

''Fitness and efforts are two important aspects and can create wonders if the natural and talented bowler stressed on the twin points, Mr Padmanabhan, who achieved a rare Ranji double of 2000 plus runs and 200 plus wickets, told reporters here.

Urging the selectors to give more chance to players from remote areas, he said upcoming players like M S Dhoni, Munaf Patel Suresh Raina who hailed from rural areas of Chhattatisgarh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, proved worth for the team.

He said earlier players from rural areas were not considered for the nataional team but the situation had changed in the last two years.

''We should be able to explore talents existed in the country'' he said adding more concentration needed to be given to the junior team.

He said there were many talented players in Kerala team such as Robert Fernandes and Rohan Aneesh, who could be groomed by proper and expert coaching.

Mr Padmanabhan was here as part of his month-long coaching assignment with the local Exclusive Cricket Academy.

UNI PCH AY KP2007