A good ODI squad

May 05, 2013

The selectors have shown a very pragmatic approach in picking the Indian cricket squad for the Champions Trophy ODIs in England. Not only have they assessed current form as available in the IPL T20s, they have also kept an eye on the future in terms of defining a base of players for the defence of the World Cup in 2015.
Gautam Gambhir is not in the squad because the tournament is in England where his technical weakness against the moving ball might have let him down, and Shikhar Dhawan for Gambhir is a perfectly logical choice. Yuvraj Singh, who made a T20 and Test comeback in an emotional season after recovering from cancer, seems to have dropped form so alarmingly as to force selectors to take a cruel call on his future. Dinesh Karthik, batsman and reserve wicket-keeper, has earned his comeback and Murali Vijay is a strategic anchoring opening option for 50-overs cricket.
The choice of personnel for manning the bowling leaves no room for argument with Umesh Yadav coming back to spearhead the attack. Vinay Kumar may have earned his place with the commitment shown in handling death overs for his IPL team. Leg spinner Amit Mishra as an additional spin option is a marginal selection.
The highlight of this latest round of the selection process is sentiment has been shown the door. Events like the Champions Trophy are won by men in form, nor can team building be a consideration at such times. Sandeep Patil’s committee has done a commendable job.

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