The Indian board has taken strong exception to a remark by Dilip Vengsarkar, the chairman of selectors, regarding Virender Sehwag’s inclusion in India’s World Cup squad. Vengsarkar was quoted by a news channel on Saturday as saying that the out-of-form Sehwag was selected only because of the insistence Rahul Dravid, the Indian captain .
“When I was leading India, I never got the team I wanted and I didn’t want Rahul to go through the same. He insisted on having Sehwag and that made the difference.” The board said it wasn’t proper for the chief selector to make such statements and that such remarks could only lead to fresh controversies ahead of India’s World Cup campaign in the Caribbean.
“It is not right to comment on team selection now,” said Ratnakar Shetty, the chief administrative officer of the board. “I wish Vengsarkar had refrained from making such comments at a time when the team had already left for the showpiece event. The Code of Conduct applies to everybody, players and selectors.”
Rajiv Shukla, the vice-president of the board, echoed the same sentiment: “The chairman of the selection committee should not make such a remark. It creates unnecessary controversy before the Cup. He should refrain from making such statements. The team is selected by the five selectors in consultation with the captain and coach. Selection issues should not come out in the open.”
Vengsarkar admitted Sehwag did not feature in the initial scheme of things due to his prolonged run-drought but enjoyed backing from some quarters in the team. “It was a bit of gamble [to have him in the side] … but I think he has done extremely well in the past. Besides, he has won a lot of matches for India. We are hoping that he would do well in the World Cup.”
He backed Irfan Pathan, another player selected despite being out of form, and hoped he would come good in the next few weeks. “Both Irfan and Sehwag have fantastic records and they have done extremely well in the past. Again, form is important as well. But they have experience, which makes a lot of difference. If there are tight games, experience can win you matches.”
Vengsarkar also justified the decision to appoint Sachin Tendulkar as the vice-captain of the side. “Rahul is an experienced player, so is Sachin. If something happens to Dravid, God forbid, Sachin can lead.” He added that Greg Chappell had done a “reasonable” job as coach and felt he should continue with the team even after the World Cup.
Although I fully sopport the views of Vengasarkar regarding selection of Sehwag.......
But...at the moment, it's a fact such comments
are NOT REQUIRED ...he could have waited till the tournament is over and then if he issues the statement would have served better purpose.
Blame it on Indian media(tabloid?) since these days they are behind each and every person associated with the word "Cricket"...Vengasrakar toh phir bhi Selection ka Chairman hai!!
Now jokers like Ratnakar Shetty and Shukla have got a chance to criticize a devoted cricketer like Vengasarkar!
Apart from this, Sehwag will be under tremendous pressure to perform after this which is not a good thing for him as he likes to play in his natural ways. Also Dravid knows now he can't ignore the opposition.
so is Sachin. If something happens to Dravid, God forbid, Sachin can lead." He added that Greg Chappell had done a "reasonable" job as coach and felt he should continue with the team even after the World Cup.
Sachin can LEAD..that will be a hopeless situation...at the moment he is trying to regain his scoring abilities but unable to cope up with his age and fragile body.
Like others I too used to be a great fan of Tendlya but since past few years whenever I see him batting he looks miserable as if desperately trying to overcome the shadow of his great past.
Perhaps Vengasarkar also forgot a fact that sachin has a disastrous history as a Captain!
I wonder why not Saurav as a Vice-Captain????
Indian board should stop listening to frustrated soul like Chappell!!
Vengsarkar is wrong to make such comments in public. I don't know what was going through his mind. Controversy is the last thing team India needs before a mega event such as the World Cup
Sehwag has n't been in great form lately but he and Uthappa give India an explosive option at the top of the order. Sehwag's never had a great foot work hence is often bowled or caught in the slips esp. early on in his innings but on those slow (although noone knows for sure) Caribbean pitches, he might just get going. If he stays in for 15-20 overs he can be dangerous for any side.
Pathan has n't played much recently so don't know much about his form but he's a utility player capable of batting in any position (cf. Razzaq), a decent bowler and a quality fielder. So I guess Dravid had little option but to take him to the World Cup for his experience and for the variety he brings to the side as a useful all-rounder.