In a scathing attack on television commentators, speedster Javagal Srinath on Friday accused them for "inciting and instigating" the fans, which resulted in the extreme reactions back home in the wake of India's loss to Australia in a World Cup league match.

"I believe when the criticism from the commentators, may be the media, go beyond extreme, it could probably incite or instigate our emotional fans. We are really disappointed with what they spoke," Srinath said. "Some of the comments were really harsh on the players."

"We were shocked with a few incidents back home. Mohammed Kaif's home was stoned; (Rahul) Dravid's car was smashed. These things should not happen," he said.

Srinath said that too much was being read into the team's performance in New Zealand where the pitches were doctored to favour the home team.

"We cannot really read too much in the New Zealand show, as those who won the toss had the say. We did not let New Zealand win easily. People were really harsh on our batsmen. I don't know how much any batsman in the world could have survived (on those pitches). It was low-scoring throughout the series," Srinath said.

The veteran speedster said the New Zealand tour was long over and the team was in a much better frame of mind, especially after the win against Zimbabwe on Wednesday.

"Things are looking good from the New Zealand tour. We had one bad game against Australia but then they are playing at an altogether different level right now," he said.

Srinath said it was absolutely crucial that both bowling and batting clicked together for the team to be successful in the World Cup.

"A good performance results when batting and bowling work together. We have to make sure that we click at the right time," he said. "We cannot hope if we bowl well and not bat well. We have to peak at the right time."

Srinath said he was satisfied with his own performance also though he needed to work a bit on his batting. "I am getting my line and length right. There comes a time when experience becomes confidence. (But) I need to give more thought to my batting before it is too late. My batting against the West Indies (at home where he got some useful scores) cannot be taken too seriously," he said.

Share your comments

What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 35 Sub: RE:No vandalism please Dear Srinath, Dont criticise the media. It is the media that has given you recognition. When you do well savour it. When you do badly, ... Posted by arnoldb Sub: No vandalism please Srinath, It is one thing to blame the press for fan furore, another thing to let your performances assuage their outbursts. Indian fans have always ... Posted by Gautam Sub: Yep! Rightly said Srinath U R rite Srinath. Crowd sentiment can badly hit by the provoking and irresponsible comments of the Media. Sociology experts have always commented that crowd ... Posted by Sushanta Bala Sub: RE:Media instigated fans Hi Nelson, As much as I agree that cricketers should not give excuses and should be held accountable, I definitely feel that Srinath is worth ... Posted by Muthu Sub: Media instigated fans: Srinath Our cricketers always find excuses for loosing. Indian cricket lovers understand the situation in New Zealand. Dreams of all cricket lovers back home in India ... Posted by Charles Gomes