Six axed in major shake-up after Sharjah debacle

The team for the Goa match (Dec 28) will be named at Indore, informed Jyoti Bajpai, the BCCI joint secretary, while releasing the team, here, today.

“Experimenting”, “keeping in mind the 1999 World Cup” were some of the reasons mouthed by Ramakant Desai, chairman of the selection committee while replying to newsmen’s queries on the team selection.

Besides, in a surprise move, the selectors, took cognisance of media reports questioning former captain Mohammad Azharuddin’s commitment. They called on him after the team had been named for a pep-talk. “Our expectations are much more from Azhar, who is the most senior and experienced player in the team,” remarked Desai on the 25-minute briefing that Azhar was subjected to from the selectors. “He is capable of doing much better than what he is doing at present as an individual and as a batsman. Though there hasn’t been any adverse report from the team management, we felt that he should use his rich experience and involve himself more in team affairs. We wanted to convey these things to him in reaction to the media reports,” explained Desai.

Bajpai, who conveyed Azhar’s response said: “He said he is very much involved in team affairs and pointed to Anshuman Gaekwad (who was also present) for clarification. He maintained that he has been taking interest and would continue to do so.”Another significant move taken by the five-man selection committee was to promote Ajay Jadeja as an opener with Saurav Ganguly. “It was unanimously accepted,” summed up Desai on the decision.

He also made it clear that Tendulkar has only been asked to relinquish the opener’s role. “We haven’t asked him to bat at number four. He can bat at any number, the idea being he should play more overs,” clarified Desai.

The former Test fast bowler did not subscribe to the theory of fielding separate teams for one-dayers and Tests. “I don’t think there is any need for it since the batting order is practically the same for the Tests and one-dayers. Only the lower half undergoes the changes,” he reasoned.

Madhya Pradesh left-handed opening batsman and Central Zone captain Amay Khurasia’s was the only name discussed in the meeting, disclosed Desai.

He, however, failed to explain the absence of the selectors from the ongoing Duleep Trophy final in progress at Chennai. “I don’t know,” was all that Desai had to say.

REPLACEMENTS AND REASONS GIVEN

(Following are the observations of the chairman of the selection committee Ramakant Desai on the team selection)

All-rounders Sairaj Bahutule and Hrishikesh Kanitkar for Rahul Dravid

The reasoning: Our lower order batting is fraught with problems so we thought more all-rounders will be of help. We now would have batting strength till number seven. The change has been effected keeping one-dayers in mind.

Harvinder Singh and Debashish Mohanty for Venkatesh Prasad and Abey Kuruvilla

R: The two boys (Harvinder and Debashish) haven’t got any chance after their fine display in the Sahara Cup. Prasad has been `rested’ since we wanted to groom the young bowlers. This change is for only two matches. For the next match, some other senior player will make way. Besides, we have also taken into consideration the forthcoming Test series against Australia.

Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman for Vinod Kambli

R: He is not getting any chance at all so why not try somebody else. If somebody is not going to take him (Kambli) we can’t help it.

Nayan Mongia for Saba Karim

R: Saba has played 10 to 11 matches and now we felt that Mongia should come in. Mongia is definitely a better wicket-keeper, a fact, which we have always maintained.

Bahutule for Kumble

R: We are trying this new experiment. Now people are bowling on the rough and turning the ball which we are finding it difficult. Let’s see if Sai can do something.

THE TEAM

Sachin Tendulkar (captain)
Ajay Jadeja (vice-captain)
Saurav Ganguly
Navjot Singh Sidhu
Mohammad Azharuddin
Hrishikesh Kanitkar
Venkata Sai Laxman
Nayan Mongia (wicket-keeper)
Sairaj Bahutule
Javagal Srinath
Rajesh Chauhan
Harvinder Singh
Debashish Mohnaty
Robin Singh