I will always have a role to play: Bangar

Sanjay Bangar’s international career, though just a couple of years and 12 Test matches old, has seen a series of ups and downs. But de...

Sanjay Bangar’s international career, though just a couple of years and 12 Test matches old, has seen a series of ups and downs. But despite that Bangar told The Indian Express that ‘‘being a bowler along with being an opener batsman, I think I will always have a role to play’’.

Though he doesn’t get into a debate about the Virender Sehwag-Aakash Chopra pair settling down well, Bangar says, ‘‘I performed reasonably well till the New Zealand tour. I failed there, but so did most batsmen. After that… well, I have been doing well as an opener in domestic cricket and have also been bowling well. So, like I said, I am always in with a chance of coming back.’’

But coming back isn’t always easy, especially when you are 33 in a future-facing team. Not so, Bangar says, ‘‘Age is not a problem. Fitness tests have shown that I am one of the fittest guys in the side. I think I still have about five-six solid years of cricket left.’’

Story continues below this ad

One question that’s bound to come up when Bangar is around is the messy run out involving Bangar and captain Saurav Ganguly in Australia. Did it cost him his place in the team? ‘‘No. It was his call and I responded. I didn’t really know where the ball was. And then…these sort of things happen. It’s not anyone’s fault. I was not in a position to sacrifice my wicket either.’’ On the tour of Pakistan and his chances of being selected, Bangar says, ‘‘Firstly, the BCCI has cleared it. So there’s no question of discussing it. And these things are part of the profession. Everything can’t be easy. All Indian cricketers want to play against Pakistan and vice versa. So I am excited.’’

No one has ever rated Bangar very highly in the talent department. But no one can question his temperament and dedication either. Though he doesn’t say it in as many words, there is a trace of bitterness about Bangar and a feeling that things might have worked out better for him. But then Bangar is doing his bit to stay in contention.