I want to be called a genuine all-rounder: Mongia

Bangalore, Sep 6 (UNI) Dinesh Mongia, who won back his place in the Indian cricket squad with turning in a consistent performance for Leicestershire in the English country, today said that he wanted to fill the vacum of a genuine all-rounder in the one-day team.

Speaking to press persons after the day's practice session at the National Cricket Academy here, Mongia said, ''Be it a county or domestic game for Punjab, I have been working hard with my bowling and fielding. I am happy that I have produced good results with the ball both in England and back home. I have become an improved fielder too. My aim is to earn the tag of genuine all-rounder. I spoke to coach greg Chappell and Rahul Dravid on this yesterday and they have passed on some useful tips,'' he said.

Mongia, who was dropped from the Indian squad in 2005, made a comeback after a gap of one year winning back his place in the cancelled tri-series in Sri Lanka based on his good performance in county matches in Leicestershire.

Stressing the need of honing one's cricket skills along with physical fitness, Mongia said, ''Today, there is more emphasis on skill work in the Indian team. During John Wright's stint there was more onus on fitness, which is good for the players. However, Chappell is also insistent of players improve their skills continuously.'' Mongia felt dissapointed with the washout of the tri-series in Sri Lanka. ''This was my comeback series and I was eagerly looking to play in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately it was rained off,'' he said.

About the some novel methods adopted in the camp, he said he was learning different techniques.

''Some new things have come out during this camp and I am really enjoying and learning as well. This will certainly help me perform better in Malaysia,'' he said.

When asked how he would improve his fielding and and throwing, Mongia said, ''Coach explained to us about the use of hips, not just the shoulder and the arms while throwing, he spoke about use of the whole body into a throw than just using a arm.'' UNI MSP RS AY RAI1935