'Sehwag's selection was a worthy gamble'

MUMBAI: The selection of out-of-form batsman Virender Sehwag for the World Cup was a worthy gamble taken by selectors, feels former Test left-arm spinner Bapu Nadkarni.

"I would have taken the gamble if I had been the selector. I remember the gamble I and my co-selectors took when we chose Laxman Sivaramakrishnan in the 1987 World Cup.

"It, however, did not come off," the wrily built Nadkarni said at a panel discussion on Friday night on India's chances in the ongoing World Cup in the West Indies.

According to Nadkarni, the selectors have taken two major gambles in the choice of Sehwag and Irfan Pathan, but they are justified in doing so.

"Sehwag is a good off spinner who can also roll his arm over for five-six overs. If Irfan can get his swing and direction in place he can be a match winner," said the former
cricketer, still remembered for bowling 21 maiden overs on the trot in a Test match.

Referring to Anil Kumble's position in the team, former Mumbai all rounder Vasu Paranjpe advocated the inclusion of leg spinner in the playing 11.

"Kumble is 37. Selectors have taken him in the 15-member team. But if you do not play him, there is no point in him being slected," Paranjpe said.

Talking about the team's performance Nadkarni insisted that the batsmen should steal singles and twos to upset the opposition's rhythm instead of trying to hit only boundaries.

"I am a bit worried about fielding. If that can be improved I don't see anything wrong in this team, which I feel is capable of winning the cup," Nandkarni said.