'No Regrets'

Indian all rounder Robin Singh announced his retirementfrom first class and international cricket.

Announcing his decision at a Press meet in Chennai,Robin said 'I have no regrets and I was, perhaps, one of the very few to havecome back after a seven-year gap at the age of 33 to serve Indian cricket.

Known for his athleticism, tenacity and commitment, Robin made his debut in thelimited overs version of the game against the West Indies in Port of Spain in1988-89.

But after the West Indies tour, he was in thewilderness and staged a comeback in India's 96-97 tour of South Africa, making amark in the one-dayers. He played his last one-day match against Australia inVisakhapatnam in 2000-01.

The forty-year-old Robin is currently the coach of theIndian u-19 team.

Born Rabindra Ramanarayan Singh in the West Indies inSeptember 1963, the dashing all-rounder made his first class debut in 1982-83for Trinidad and then represented Tamil Nadu from 1985-86.

The left-handed Robin played in 136 one-dayers forIndia, making 2336 runs with a 100 against Sri Lanka as his highest for anaverage of 25.95. Robin said he had lot of good moments to cherish while playingfor the country but expressed regret at not being able to play more Tests.

"I was rather unfortunate to have played only inone Test (against Zimbabwe at Harare in 1998-99). I must admit that MohdAzharuddin persisted for my selection in the one-day team. There must have beeninstances of my not getting runs, but overall I have done my best for thecountry.

"Sachin (Tendulkar) was extremely supportiveduring my playing days. I have not played much under Saurav (Ganguly). But Iappreciate the attitude and approach of the present lot in the Indian team. Theyare always looking for wins and looking ahead," he said.

India's win over Pakistan in Bangladesh for the AsiaCup title was his best moment to cherish.

Asked who his best Indian captain was, Robin said he never required a captain toguide him. "Playing at number six one has to show his mettle against bothpace and spin. I was guiding people rather than a captain guiding me."

The cricketer, who has played in 99 Ranji Trophymatches for Tamil Nadu, opined that "it is rare that not many people make acomeback at 33. Our domestic format are for both Tests and one dayers."

Reminiscing, he said "The comments of the Indiancoach during a South African tour will forever be etched in my memory. I was outfor a small score in the first match. Before the second match against Zimbabwe,the coach indicated it was my last chance. I chipped in well and India tied thematch. Such comments always motivated me to do better."

On the selection process of teams, he said "I donot think one can pick the best team always. Some are not given their due. Ialways told myself that one has to be sure of making use of a chance."

Robin described S. Sharath of Tamil Nadu as one of thebest cricketers in the country "but he has never got a chance to play forIndia. A couple of years ago, Sharath was the best in the country as compared tosome in the present team. W.V. Raman could have gone on to play for the countryfor some more time" he said.

"However, the ultimate performance of anindividual and positive results of the team are more important."

Robin thanked the past and present administrators ofIndian cricket for their faith in him. "I will continue to give back to thegame in whatever manner that I am required to," he added.

PTI