A pleasant surprise for Saba Karim

Sakyasen Mittra

October 31, 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."

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Players/Umpires

Saba Karim

Teams

India

Grounds

Bangabandhu National Stadium

Eden Gardens