Ganguly's return means a reversal of Chappell’s game plan and its emphasis on youth, which seems to have come unstuck: Ayaz Memon.
MUMBAI: Sourav Ganguly’s return to international cricket seems a cinch — unless there is a revolt within the selection committee, which meets in Delhi on Thursday to choose the team for the Tests against South Africa beginning next month.
Chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar refused to be pinned down on the issue on Wednesday evening. “Everything will be known tomorrow,” he said, adding cryptically that the team could do with an experienced player “who can bowl 12-15 overs and also shore up the batting”.
Ganguly has come back in contention in recent weeks in some small way due to precisely such all-round performances in domestic cricket, though in large measure due to the Indian team’s sudden decline, which has exposed coach Greg Chappell, skipper Rahul Dravid, the selectors, and the establishment to nationwide criticism.
Furore over the poor performances of the Indian team in recent months has extended beyond the confines of cricket circles, spilling on to the streets and even invading Parliament, where the debate was not only heated but acquired serious political and parochial overtones.
But Vengsarkar clarified that the selectors are under no pressure — directly or otherwise — from such extreme reactions. “Our interest is the team and how it performs, not opinions from all these quarters,” he said. By extension, this unambiguous statement could cover any objection that Chappell and a few others could have about the former captain.
Ganguly’s joy is likely to be matched by woe for Irfan Pathan, the golden boy of Indian cricket, who has lost form with bat and ball. With Zaheer Khan — also a left-arm seamer — making an impressive comeback, his position has become vulnerable.
Vengsarkar, again declining to comment on individuals, gave indication nonetheless of the philosophy that would guide the selection on Thursday. “Young players and those out of form — who are unlikely to play in the Tests — would be better off playing domestic cricket,” he said.
In a sense, this means a reversal of Chappell’s game plan and its emphasis on youth, which seems to have come unstuck after an initial euphoric six months. Ganguly is not the only one back in favour. Zaheer, after a fabulous stint in county cricket, forced his way back into the one-day team and VVS Laxman was recalled after Rahul Dravid fractured a finger.
Clearly, this indicates a lack of available talent as much as it does the deep concern in the administration over the string of defeats that the Indian team has experienced since the tour of the West Indies. Whether getting experienced hands back is the panacea to the problem remains to be seen.
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