 Tough task for selectors to pick ODI team
29th May 2008 18:02 IST
Agencies
The two senior batsmen put up a mixed show with the bat, but what may tilt the scales against their inclusion could be the fact that both are not the fleetest of fielders as compared to younger rivals.
Ganguly could get the nod if Tendulkar opts out of the Bangladesh event as is being speculated in the media, though nothing specific has come from the Cricket Board on this matter.
The other two opening slots perforce seem to have been nailed by Gautam Gambhir and his Delhi Ranji and IPL skipper Virender Sehwag, with their strong showing in the Twenty20 league.
Swapnil Asnodkar, the Goa Ranji opener, could also be discussed following his flamboyant approach in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals.
Dravid faces competition from younger and fitter rivals like Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Venugopal Rao and S Badrinath but, in the likely absence of in-form and injured batsman Rohit Sharma, could just squeeze his way in because of his vast experience.
The selectors are expected to look long and hard over the multi-faceted cricketers like Yusuf Pathan, who can also fill in the off spinner's slot in the absence of the banned Harbhajan Singh, and Abhishek Nayar, a handy lower order batsman and useful medium pacer. |
