The Indian cricket team and its selection committee have featured much in the news over the last week. There has been intensive scrutiny and debate over the role of some senior players in particular. One wishes that the media and the great Indian public conducted similar scrutiny and debate of that other important team in the country: the Union cabinet. In an attempt to start the debate, I am going to humbly submit the following assessment of some Congress seniors to its chairperson of selectors, Sonia Gandhi, for her consideration.

Manmohan Singh, 75: Prime Minister, Captain. The highly intelligent Oxbridge-educated leader was famous for his defensive style of play until he danced down the pitch over the nuclear deal. Unfortunately, he was stumped by the non-playing wicketkeeper of his government: Prakash Karat. He is now left trying to disprove that adage: Nice guys finish last. He lacks the support of his team but retains the faith of the Chairperson of Selectors.

Pranab Mukherjee, 71: Foreign Minister, Vice-Captain. This wily politician from West Bengal is the senior-most member of the team. In fact, he was once his boss’s boss. His detractors say he has his eyes on the captaincy. The captain has immense faith in him though, given the multiple tasks assigned to him. He seems better suited to be coach, given that he often has to attend to the deficiencies of the rest of the team.

Shivraj Patil, 72: Home Minister. Always turned out in the finest whites, but not known for scoring runs, many feel that he would be better ‘rested’ away from Home.

... contd.