With a batsman of Rahul Dravid's calibre at their disposal, Team India
need not explore other options for the crucial number three slot, said chief selector
Dilip Vengsarkar. 
In an exclusive interview, Vengsarkar wondered what made the
think-tank try out Dinesh Kaarthick rpt Kaarthick, Yuvraj Singh
and Gautam Gambhir at the slot when they had an automatic choice in Dravid.
Vengsarkar also rued that the team lacked a genuine all-rounder
and felt neither Ajit Agarkar nor fellow Mumbaikar Ramesh Powar did justice
to their batting ability.
He, however, appreciated the healthy competition and team spirit
and said a relaxed dressing room atmosphere during the lengthy UK tour was one
of the key reasons for the turn-around in the team's performance.
Vengsarkar said Cricket Manager Chandu Borde too played an
important role with his outputs during the tour.
The Indian team vanquished South Africa 2-1 after coming from
behind in the off-shore ODI series in Ireland, carried that momentum into the
three-Test rubber against hosts England by defeating the hosts 1-0 and then
narrowly lost the best-of-seven ODI series 3-4, after fighting back from 1-3
behind.
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