Kapil Dev: 'When we were growing up, the then Indian players were our heroes and the same is the case with these youngsters' © AFP

Kapil Dev,the former Indian captain and current chairman of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), has said that the young trainees at the academy will benefit by interacting with members of the Indian team.

He said that he would request the Indian board to allow Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, Mohammad Kaif and Irfan Pathan to train with the Under-17 players at the academy. "These cricketers - some of them are going later to Bangladesh and some of them are not going at all - I am sure they have some time to spare for these youngsters at the NCA," he said during the induction ceremony for a fresh batch of Under-17 trainees.

Tendulkar and Ganguly have been rested for the three-match ODI series in Bangladesh, after which they will join the team for the Tests, while Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan have been dropped from both sides. Mohammad Kaif last played for India in the tour to South Africa in November 2006.

While Kapil was hoping for a positive response, he added, "When we were growing up, the then Indian players were our heroes and the same is the case with these youngsters here who are the future of Indian cricket. Have fun but while training be focussed and enjoy it. Training is not punishment and if you look at it that way, you might as well be at home. If you train well now, you can enjoy the later part of your life."

He also said he would come to the NCA as and when required. "Never hesitate to ask me questions. You also have a wonderful panel of coaches here, respect them and make full use of their expertise."