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India’s Squad for the first two Tests :- MS Dhoni, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Cheteshwar Pujara, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Murali Vijay, Ravi Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha, Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav.
Seriously, after seeing the Indian team picked for the first two Tests, I was a bit surprised. Let me point out some of the things which struck me after seeing the team.
1. Omission of Manoj Tiwary
Currently India’s best player who remains on the bench, one can only pity him. Whether some regular in the playing 11 is injured or not, he remains outside the playing 11. Yes, he was out of form, but for the past year his domestic performances should have surely ensured him a place in the playing 11. But alas! He never makes it to the playing 11. And now, he is also dropped out the Test squad. Now one really wonders why Murali Vijay is considered for the team. His performances in the international and domestic levels haven’t been great, yet he is in the team. Some might argue that Murali Vijay is selected as a third opener, but what about Shikhar Dhawan? Thus omission of Manoj Tiwary and inclusion of Murali Vijay struck to me as a blunder.
2. Ishant Sharma in place of Irfan Pathan
After the retirement of Kapil Dev, India is forever behind a bowling all-rounder and Irfan Pathan seemed to be the perfect answer. Though he was out of form and could not play due to injuries, he has been in considerably good form for the past year or so. And now he is dropped to give a place to Ishant Sharma. Ishant Sharma is just recovering from his ankle injury and he does not have much match practice. Though his return has been impressive, I doubt whether he would be able to come out and perform at the highest level so soon. Also, Irfan Pathan has been in a reasonably good form and more importantly, he has had some international experience. Ishant Sharma can bowl well, yes, but I guess a bowing all-rounder is needed for our team, especially when the team requires depth in batting.
3. Selection of Harbhajan Singh
Though he has a mountain of experience behind him, his form after the retirement of Anil Kumble has been poor. Much was expected of him to lead the Indian bowling attack. But he disappointed. His place in the team has been replaced by in-form R.Ashwin, and the Ashwin-Ojha combo has been successful in the past year or so. Though the duo will be tested by the English batsmen,I guess Harbhajan’s inclusion was not actually needed for the team.
The above points are my views and did not intend to contradict someone else’s views. All I hope is India take revenge for the trashing they received last summer.
