It’s a sound Team India, all said and done
There is indeed little than be faulted in the selection of the 15-member Indian cricket squad for the World Cup beginning in February. Of course, if one is in a mood to rake up issues, there are plenty to occupy the minds of ‘analysts'. Among them is the omission of the dashing Yuvraj Singh, the inclusion of a not-fully-fit-yet Ravindra Jadeja, the apparent rejection of captain MS Dhoni's reported choice of Murali Vijay, Mohit Sharma and Varun Aaron, and the informal say of newly-crowned Test captain Virat Kohli in the composition of the final 15. There will always be differences of opinion, disputes and even sharp exchange of words between the captain and the panel of selectors on matters where minds do not meet. In the end, the selectors' word is final — and they have decided. While it is true that Mr Yuvraj Singh had been a star performer for the Indian one-day side, acquitting himself well in the last episode of the World Cup, and that he had made a remarkable comeback after an illness which must have sapped him both physically and psychologically, the fact also is that his form in recent months had been rather wayward. Clearly, if he had been taken in the team, it would have had more to do with his past glories than anything else.
For a side that is building itself up for newer challenges, it made sense for the selectors to invest in the future than be hampered by sentimentalism. Remember, just four of the 15 players have World Cup experience. Moreover, given the ideal composition that the selectors had to determine in the end, there was place for either Mr Yuvraj Singh or Mr Jadeja — both being handy with the bat and the ball and being decent enough fielders. The latter has suffered in fitness, though medical experts have obviously determined that he would be fit to play by the time the World Cup commences. If this is true, then by virtue of form and future needs, his inclusion cannot be faulted. As for the likes of Mr Vijay and Mr Sharma, it must be acknowledged that while both are fine players and have done India proud in recent years, they simply did not fit in the scheme of things this time around. One must acknowledge, though, to a feeling of some sadness over the former’s failure to make it to the team. Mr Vijay has tremendous potential.
At the same time, there are others who just about made it to the final-15 squad. Ajinkya Rahane's name comes instantly to mind. It was touch-and-go for him. There has also been some chatter about Stuart Binny's inclusion, given that his father and former Indian cricketer Roger Binny was part of the selection process. But one must rule out any foul play by way of a conflict of interest, since the selection panel comprises not just Mr Roger Binny. In any case, his son deserved the inclusion, though, if he fails, he is unlikely to get another chance soon. Now that the selection process is done with, we have to see whether the team lives up to its promise.