He may be the highest individual scorer
in ODI cricket but Virender Sehwag's
recent slump in form coupled with what
many feel is a lackluster approach to the
game, has cast serious doubts over his
future in the team. This after he was
dropped for the opening three ODIs
against England on Sunday.
In a report published in ESPN Cricinfo,
Board of Control for Cricket in India
(BCCI) sources have been quoted as
saying that Sehwag is not part of the
team's broad plans in the run-up to the
2015 50-over World Cup. Focus instead is
on players like Cheteshwar Pujara who
has been included in the side named for
the upcoming series starting January 11
(Friday). It has further been reported
though that the selectors did not
deliberate much on MS Dhoni and his
captaincy. This despite the team suffering
a string of defeats in the recent past.
India's record in all formats of the game
has been rather dismal with even home
conditions not proving to be of much
help. Of the several reasons being
outlined, one of the main is the lacking
form of India's batsmen, especially the
top-order. While Dhoni said the top-order
needs to be more patient when playing in
ODIs, players like Gambhir, Kohli and
Sehwag have hardly troubled the
opposition. Sehwag in particular has
looked jaded with just 35 runs in the first
two ODIs played against Pakistan before
being dropped for the final match.
Speaking to NDTV, Gavaskar said that a
hint of attitude and approach may have
also contributed to Sehwag being
dropped. He however continued to
believe that the 34-year-old is a match-
winner. "A little spell out of the team
may perhaps make him (Sehwag)
understand what it means to play for
India," he said.
If BCCI sources are to be believed
however, Sehwag's future in the team
looks bleak. Ahead of the title defense in
Australia two years from now, the
intention is to give a chance to youngsters
to prove their skill and be prepared for
the biggest tournament in cricket.
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