Selectors invest in youth, no place for Ganguly, Dravid in ODI squad

MUMBAI/PERTH, JANUARY 20: Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and V V S Laxman, part of the current Test series against Australia, were today left out by the selectors for the one-day tri-series against Australia and Sri Lanka.

Left-hand batsman Suresh Raina and leg-spinner Piyush Chawla were recalled to the side that also includes wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Kaarthick, who is already with the Test team, Virendra Sehwag and S Sreesanth. Left-arm spinner Murali Kartik, who played the last ODI series against Pakistan, was also left out.

The omission of Ganguly came as a surprise as the left-hander had been in good form in both the one-day and Test matches. BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah, however, insisted their emphasis was on youth.

Explaining the reasons behind ignoring Ganguly and Dravid, he said: “The emphasis was on fielding abilities and we wanted a young fielding side for the series. That’s why you see a lot of youngsters.” Sachin Tendulkar will be the team’s most experienced batsman.

Conspiracy theorists, however, may pore over the fact that Raina who was picked up today was among Greg Chappell’s favourites, while the controversial former coach made no bones about his feelings for Ganguly.

With news filtering in at Perth about Ganguly’s omission, the mood in the Indian camp turned sombre. As evening descended, Ganguly tore himself away from the crowd and went for a quiet walk along the Swan river which flows behind the team hotel. Later, at the dinner to celebrate the historic WACA win, the smile was back, though he said little.

Before news came of his omission, Ganguly had been rejoicing with others in India’s win and calling the current team “a very good side that could be No.1”. Ironically, he also talked about how Australia were missing veterans Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, with its younger players buckling under pressure. “They are finding out that players can’t go on and play forever. Obviously they have less experience now. Their young players need to step up,” he said.

The two selectors present in Australia, Ranjib Biswal and Venkatapathy Raju, were consulted before the ODI team was announced, along with Dhoni, Yuvraj and Test team captain Kumble. Biswal, an East Zone selector, is believed to have met Ganguly and told him what was coming his way.

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