Irfan might lose confidence due to Chappell's comments: Borde

Tiruchirapalli, Jun 4 (UNI) Surprised at coach Greg Chappell's recent admission that Irfan Pathan was low in confidence, ex-Test player and former chairman of selection committee Chandu Borde said such a statement will add to the pressure on the youngster.

''The question arises, have we given him an opportunity too early. When he was doing well we said we have found the best all rounder. You cannot say both the things'', Borde said.

''If we do this kind of a thing, the players will lose confidence in themselves,'' he observed.

Asked about the decline of spin bowling in Indian cricket, Borde said the breedwas vanishing because of the dominance of one-day cricket.

''In a way the trend of One Day cricket has ruined the art of spin bowling. The boundaries are shortened and the spinners find it difficult to toss the ball up and experiment more to deceive batsmen. So they merely push the ball and they don't get the turn.

So we don't find many good spinners,'' he reasoned.

Advocating a mix of youth and experience in the team, he said such a combination would help India win more matches.

Borde said India should have had experienced players like Anil Kumble, V V S Laxman and even Sourav Ganguly along with the young players in the ODI's against the West Indies in the Caribbeans.

''The results would have been better then,'' he said.

However, Borde welcomed the fact that young talent was being given an opportunity. ''But a mixutre of youth and experience would certainly help the team to win,'' he opined.

He said the team's middle order batsmen failed to adjust to the nature of the pitches there but praised the bowlers for putting up a good effort.

''The bowlers are putting in good work and their performance is very good. But unfortunately, the batting did not click,'' he added.

Asked what kind of wickets should be prepared in India, Borde said it was not just the nature of the wickets but the soil and climatic conditions will also have to be taken into consideration.

''The soil conditions in India vary from place to place,'' he averred.

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