When Srinath first came on the international scene as a young 22 year-old, critics said he went too wide off the crease and had little or no variation in his bowling. But he learnt his lessons well.

When India toured the West Indies in 2002, Srinath was, without doubt, a vastly changed bowler from his younger days. His run-up was smooth and the focus was squarely on line and length. But among all these changes, the most crucial was patience. Too often in the past his frustration at not getting a wicket would be self-evident. But on that tour, frustration was replaced by an almost Buddha-like calm.

"When I came into the national side my cricket was still in a nascent stage, if you ask me. I grew after I got into the side and while I was waiting for a permanent place," he said in an interview to rediff.com in December 1999.

Also see: Legends at the camp

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