KKR coach feels Faiz should have got more India chances
NAGPUR: "I want to play Tests for India," Faiz Fazal had told TOI after Vidarbha clinched the Ranji Trophy for the second time in 2018-19 season. The India Test cap will forever remain an unfulfilled dream as Faiz called curtains on an illustrious career on Sunday.
Celebrated coach Chandrakant Pandit, who along with Faiz orchestrated Vidarbha's twin title triumphs in Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup, said that the opener deserved to get more India games. "He has been an outstanding player. His technique was impeccable. He was a very good slip fielder. He deserved to play more matches for India," Pandit told TOI.
Faiz had also shared his India ambition with Pandit. "During the three years I was Vidarbha coach, he always used to say that he wanted to play for India. It kept him motivated. After suffering the knee injury, he went under the knife for the same, maybe his body wasn't supporting him, so he called it a day," Pandit said.
Pandit, who now coaches IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders and Madhya Pradesh Ranji Trophy team, feels that Faiz has set an example for the next generation of Vidarbha cricketers.
"Apart from serving Vidarbha cricket with distinction, Faiz has been a perfect role model for young Vidarbha players. He is a humble, down to earth human being," Pandit said.
Reminiscing about his time with the Vidarbha team, Pandit said that Faiz's best knock during his stint as coach came against Maharashtra. Vidarbha, following on in the away game, scored 501 in the second innings. Faiz faced 324 balls, scored 131, and stayed at the crease for over two days to save the match.
"After shifting to Madhya Pradesh as coach, I used to tell players here about that knock of Faiz. It was a top-quality knock," Pandit said.
Faiz was a captain who was always ready to go the extra yard for his team, Pandit said. "His having zero ego made my job as the coach much easier. I remember calling him late in the night, sometimes at 11pm, to discuss team strategy. He used to drive from his home to my place and patiently listen to me. He never complained about it," Pandit said.
"He has made immense contributions to Vidarbha cricket as captain and player. Vidarbha cricket should always remember his services," the coach said.
