<p>"We are totally devastated. It is quite disappointing in the manner we have played in Australia. Now sitting in Chennai, it is difficult for me to pinpoint a particular reason as to what went wrong. Definitely our batting has failed consistently throughout the series," Srikkanth told the mediapersons after announcing the team for the upcoming tri-series in Australia.<br /><br />Srikkanth was found wanting when scribes sought an elaborate explanation of causes that led to the team's failure. His answer was an inevitable one.<br /><br />"It is the same problem that we had during the England series. In the last two series, the batsmen have struggled to find form. I agree that this defeat is saddening. Not because I am the chairman of selectors or an ex-cricketer. More so because I am an Indian," he said in a dejected tone.<br /><br />The former India captain predictably sidestepped the issue of whether seniors like VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid need to be phased out after their poor show in Australia.<br /><br />"Everybody can give any number of reasons as to why the team has done badly. But won't you guys agree with me that this was the best available team? I don't think that too much of a post-mortem would lead us anywhere," said Srikkanth, who tried to put up a brave front.<br /><br />The dashing opener of yesteryears seemed a touch miffed when someone popped a question as to whether the selection committee will also take the blame for such a debacle.<br /><br />"If you people want me as the chairman of selection committee to take the blame upon myself, I am ready to do that. But will that solve the problem. You have guys who had scored 8000-10,000 runs in Test cricket and all of a sudden your top 6 recognised batsmen are failing together. You can't blame an individual for this. This is a collective failure," Srikkanth said.</p>
<p>"We are totally devastated. It is quite disappointing in the manner we have played in Australia. Now sitting in Chennai, it is difficult for me to pinpoint a particular reason as to what went wrong. Definitely our batting has failed consistently throughout the series," Srikkanth told the mediapersons after announcing the team for the upcoming tri-series in Australia.<br /><br />Srikkanth was found wanting when scribes sought an elaborate explanation of causes that led to the team's failure. His answer was an inevitable one.<br /><br />"It is the same problem that we had during the England series. In the last two series, the batsmen have struggled to find form. I agree that this defeat is saddening. Not because I am the chairman of selectors or an ex-cricketer. More so because I am an Indian," he said in a dejected tone.<br /><br />The former India captain predictably sidestepped the issue of whether seniors like VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid need to be phased out after their poor show in Australia.<br /><br />"Everybody can give any number of reasons as to why the team has done badly. But won't you guys agree with me that this was the best available team? I don't think that too much of a post-mortem would lead us anywhere," said Srikkanth, who tried to put up a brave front.<br /><br />The dashing opener of yesteryears seemed a touch miffed when someone popped a question as to whether the selection committee will also take the blame for such a debacle.<br /><br />"If you people want me as the chairman of selection committee to take the blame upon myself, I am ready to do that. But will that solve the problem. You have guys who had scored 8000-10,000 runs in Test cricket and all of a sudden your top 6 recognised batsmen are failing together. You can't blame an individual for this. This is a collective failure," Srikkanth said.</p>