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Mongia in the line of fire

Suresh Parekh

Nayan Mongia is a man of many parts. At least it would seem so after he confidently fielded questions from school and college students at an interactive organised by the newly-formed Sports Journalists Association of Saurashtra recently. Indeed, the former India wicket-keeper displayed the same elan as he does behind the stumps as some 60 students from 25 schools and colleges, who participated in 'An evening with Nayan Mongia', hurled virtual beamers, bouncers, googlies, flippers and few straight ones at him.

Here are some of the best deliveries, and Mongia's answers to them:

If you are born again, what would you like to become?

If God gives me a second chance to be born again, definitely I would like to be born as Nayan Mongia only. But I would pray to the Almighty to make me a more talented wicket-keeper-batsman and, above all, a better human being.

As a cricketer, what is most frustrating? And what do you do to overcome it?

Being out of form. I know it happens with the best of cricketers and sportspersons. But in my case, I don't panic. The best way to get out of it is to work hard; you will get back the form.

It is said that there's a woman behind the success of most men. Who is the one behind your success?

My mother. In my good and bad days she has been a source of constant encouragement.

After the Kargil war and the plane hijacking episode, do you think that it is fair on the part of Indian team to play against Pakistan in Australia?

There is nothing wrong in it. There is no tension on the field when the two nations meet. Sports bring the two countries together and there is no problem if sporting ties continue.

Do you think that Azhar should be in the Indian team?

I'm also sailing in the same boat. Whether he should be in the Indian team or not, you should get the answers from the Indian selectors.

India is playing against Pakistan. They need one run of the final ball of the innings and they have just one wicket in hand. If you happen to be the Indian wicket-keeper, what would you do to make India victorious?

First of all, I wouldn't stand very deep. And, instead of throwing the ball from where I stand, I would run down and then throw at the stumps.

Would you like to make your son a wicket-keeper or selector?

Mohit (Nayan's son) is actually just one year old. It is too early to even say whether he will be connected with this sport. I would better leave that to him to decide.

Your favourite Bollywood heroine was Mumtaz. Why?

Oh, she was so beautiful that all I can say is Iska to koi jawaab hi nahi hai. I mean so lajawaab.

Who is the one you like most amongst the present ones?

I had a crush for Madhuri, but now she has became Mrs. Nene. So I will have to find out a new one, quickly.

Which is your best innings so far?

I was very pleased with my hundred at New Delhi against Australia. Because I opened the innings and also won the man of the match award. But my best innings was surely the innings of 80 runs at Mumbai against the West Indies when India was struggling. In that innings I faced Courtney Walsh and Winston Benjamin quite successfully and India also won that match.

Which particular dropped catch do you still regret most? And how did you feel after dropping it?'

The catch of Andrew Hudson, a South African opening batsman. He went on to make a century in that match. It happens when you're not concentrating cent per cent It is best to forget such instances and concentrate on the next ball.

You have seen a good number of wicket-keepers. Who was, and who is your idol?

I have watched quite a few wicket-keepers but frankly speaking I'm an idol of myself. I don't like to copy anyone. So there is no one who is my idol.

When other wicket-keepers are selected in place of you and when they perform well, what are your feelings?

I do feel good. Because, after all, they are playing for the country. Their good performance will do a lot of good to the team also. I enjoy healthy rivalry.

Why don't Indian players fight hard till the last ball - the way the Pakistan cricketers do?

We too try our best. And it is certainly not like they try and we don't.

What do you think about women's cricket?

I don't know anything about women's cricket. I think women shouldn't play cricket. Their physique suits other games more. There are so many other sports around and women should concentrate on those games rather than cricket.

Which is your best catch?

The one I took in the last World Cup. I got Azhar Mehmood off Kumble. I think that was the sharpest catch I have taken and I was thrilled when that particular catch was chosen as the best catch of the World Cup.

Australia and South Africa believe so much in modern technology to improve their overall cricket, why doesn't India do that?

We have natural talent which they don't. And when we have talent why should we be dependent on technology? We are all good at mathematics; if you ask a simple question on figures they will go for their computers and calculators,whereas we can count easily without the use of them.

Iai ga. You often say this behind the stumps. What does it mean and when did you start saying it?

Actually, this is a Marathi word. It means "Oh, ma'. I don't know when I picked up the words but it always brings out the inner feelings of a close call. My predecessor Kiran More used to say "Shabash, Shabash'' while standing behind the stumps.

Who is the most difficult bowler to keep wickets to?

I think it has to be Anil Kumble. He is so quick and he also gets lot of bounce from the wicket, which makes the job more difficult.

Do you believe in sledging?

There is nothing wrong as far as it is within rules. It is all part of the game. And cricket is no more a gentleman's game.