Selection inconsistency to the fore

The inconsistency in the selection of the Indian cricket team has come to the fore again, even as the host prepares for a `do or die' battle against the rampaging Aussies at the Eden Gardens.

Sarandeep Singh, who should have been included in the first place, gets a look-in at last. It is no secret that the off- spinners have traditionally been more successful against the Australians, and Sarandeep would have been the ideal foil for Harbhajan in Mumbai. There is no harm in playing two offies in the eleven if the situation demands.

Venkatapathy Raju should provide the needed variety with his left-arm spin - India must go into the Test with three spinners - and the recall after a long gap represents a wonderful opportunity for the experienced Hyderabad bowler to cement his place in the Indian side. They say spinners mature with age and one hopes this turns out to be true in Raju's case.

It must also be mentioned in the same breath that too much talk has centered on the preparation of pitches and it is time Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly and coach John Wright gave importance to `genuine' planning.

Strategically it might have a mistake to prepare a stark turner for the first Test. Australia had won 15 Test matches on-the-trot and it wouldn't have been a bad idea to have opted for a batting track and playing for a draw.

Had Australia's winning streak been broken in Mumbai, it would have affected Steve Waugh's team psychologically. And India could have gone on the offensive in the second Test. Instead we played right into their hands.

There is yet another obsession that haunts Indian cricket. It is the myth about the batting strength. This has been exploded time and again, yet all we talk about is making changes in bowling.

True, we don't have world class spinners who can beat the batsmen with flight and guile like our greats of the past, yet why punish the poor bowlers alone?

Make no mistake, it was the batsmen who let us down in Mumbai, as they did in the home series against South Africa, and before that, in Australia. On occasions, the surrender has been shocking. We are talking about TEST cricket here.

They should be made accountable. There has been too much reliance on one man, it is time the others displayed some character. None should be able to take his place for granted.

Look at the difference in the approach of the Aussie batsmen. Each one knows his role. When Adam Gilchrist walks in during a crisis situation, he knows exactly how to go about his job. This is where the Team Management has to step in and make each man aware of his responsibilities, the strengths and weaknesses.

We started this column with selection and will end it with another critical look at the men who pick the National team. The reasoning given by Mr. Chandu Borde, chairman of the panel, on the inclusion and the exclusion of certain players has been baffling to say the least.

In fact, his statements to the media have often been hilarious. Mr. Borde thinks he is winning support for the committee's actions, but doesn't seem to realise that the average Indian fan, who knows his cricket well, cannot be taken for a ride.

By K. SRIKKANTH

www.krishsrikkanth.com

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