Despite chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanths assurance that Virender Sehwag has been rested because of an injury,it is learnt that a combination of poor form and a perceived indiscretion while interacting with the media may have cost the Delhi opener his place in the team for the Asia Cup in Bangladesh. Virat Kohli was named vice-captain of the squad,replacing Gautam Gambhir who,like his opening partner Sehwag,had made comments during the ongoing tri-series that fueled media reports about a possible rift in the team. Sources close to Sehwag maintained today that the batsman is fit. They added that Sehwag might even turn out for Delhi in the ongoing Vijay Hazare tournament on his return to India to make a point. He hasnt just batted but even bowled extended spells in the last few games. In case India reach the triseries final,he will once again take the field. He is totally fit, said an insider. The official version put out after todays selection meeting was that Sehwag was rested on the advice of the team physio,and that Kohlis promotion was to groom him as a future skipper. Sehwag and Zaheer Khan have been rested due to injuries. It has been done on the basis of reports from the physiotherapist, Srikkanth said of the omissions. What is probably closer to the truth is that the board has used the team selection to send out the message to possible dissenters that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the sides undisputed leader. Sachin Tendulkar,despite his 43 runs from seven innings,has got a chance to get to his 100th international century at the Asia Cup. Yusuf Pathan and Ashok Dinda have returned. Zaheer and Umesh Yadav have been rested.
