Team India World Cup 2011 Squad : Selection a big blunder ?

Even before assessing the merits and demerits of India’s World Cup squad, it would be pertinent to highlight the grave blunder committed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India in undertaking the selection process with just three of the five selectors present at Chennai on Monday.


Two selectors are in South Africa and one wonders what are they doing there, if not holidaying. What is there more to see or exercise their opinions on in the remaining three ODIs? The BCCI knew well in advance of the date of selection of India’s squad for the 2011 World Cup, so how did it allow a couple of selectors to remain away from this crucial meeting.

In fact, it was the most important selection in four years. Its importance therefore cannot be so blatantly underestimated. Of course, today, you have the facility of video-conferencing. But this exercise is undertaken only in emergencies. Did we have to turn a prime selection process into an emergency ? There is no need to say that nothing better can be achieved than by a lively faceto- face debate amongst the five wise men. Can the BCCI top brass explain this act of gross irresponsibility in as important a matter as picking a World Cup squad, on which rest the hopes and aspirations of a billion people.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth, the chairman of selectors, who was himself a member of the 1983 World Cup- winning team, ought to have known what it is like winning cricket’s ultimate prize. Could he not have insisted on a full meeting ? Be that as it may. With such an embarrassment of riches, the choice was not that of whom to pick, but whom to omit. Hereabouts, there were at least two, if not three, slots that needed a meaningful debate.

As much as the right choice of players, what was required was an apt insurance or cover for the recurrence of injuries to key players. On the recovery list at the moment are Tendulkar, Sehwag and Gambhir. You cannot say for sure that during the hectic schedule of matches, they may not develop a niggle again or have a breakdown.

In this regard, therefore, the omission of Rohit Sharma is glaring. Yes, one more batsman may have upset the balance of the squad. But if the selectors had had the courage, they would have dropped uvraj Singh, who still looks woefully out of touch, Basking in the glory of his past, six sixes and all that, is being carried too far, as that is now history. You might as well take a walk in the museum and watch the fossils.

Since the event is on the sub- continent, the inclusion of three spinners may be justified but, the important question to ask is: Will Dhoni ever opt for five specialist bowlers ?

Then, and only then can two spinners be played in any match. The biggest problem faced by India is that far too many runs are conceded in the power play and the end overs. With Nehra being so erratic and now only a shadow of what he was two years ago, he will be a liability. This may perhaps induce the inclusion of an extra spinner in the playing eleven. Even then, with so many part-timers, the selection of three spinners is a luxury.