People in RCA doubted my commitment towards team: Ex-Rajasthan captain Ashok Menaria

JAIPUR: Ashok Menaria was visibly emotional when he came out to collect the winner's trophy after leading Haryana to the Vijay Hazare Trophy title, their first in the 50-over tournament and third in the domestic circuit after 32 years. The winning moment, after defeating Rajasthan by 30 runs in Rajkot on Saturday, brought back the happiness and the missing self-worth that the 33-year-old was looking for after leaving his home state on a bitter note after 15 years of service.

Menaria's decision to play for Haryana was a reaction to Rajasthan Cricket Association's (RCA) ‘manipulative nature’ that left him ‘low on confidence’. No holds barred, for the first time since he parted ways with RCA, he spoke about how people in the system treated him.

“I am not an emotional person, but today I am going through a lot of emotions. This win means a lot to me. My team Haryana is special. We have stayed unbeaten in the tournament shows the potential we carry,” he said in the post-match presentation.

When asked about his connection with his former team, former Rajasthan skipper Menaria chose to respond something like this: “When I got injured last year towards the end of the Ranji Trophy, some people in the management said that I was lying about my injury and I don't wish to play. It was a tough phase and I lost confidence. It was at that time that Haryana Cricket Association (HCA) director of coaching Ashwini Kumar and Anirudh Chaudhry showed trust in me."

Later talking to the publication, Menaria elaborated on the point. “I have nothing against my former teammates. I am still friends with them. They are a talented bunch. What happened was between me and those in the RCA management. When I was dealing with the hamstring issue, they should have helped in my recovery. But sadly that did not happen. Before signing for Haryana, I told the management about my injury and yet they were open about having me in the side. They helped me treat the hamstring and the knee injuries and waited until I was fully- fit to lead Haryana. I will always be thankful to them for helping me gain my lost confidence,” he added.


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