Former chief selector Kiran More has expressed surprise at Virender Sehwag earning a recall into the Indian squad for the Test series against Australia.
PANCHKULA: Former chief selector Kiran More has expressed surprise at Virender Sehwag earning a recall into the Indian squad for the Test series against Australia saying the Delhi batsman should have played in the Pakistan series before being picked for the tough tour.
"It's a surprise call. First, Sehwag was not among the 24 probables (announced by national selectors earlier) and then you suddenly pick him for the crucial series against Australia," More said here.
More said Sehwag should have got enough exposure during the Test series against Pakistan.
"Sehwag should have played against Pakistan. He would have got great opportunity to strike good form as this Pakistani side was one of their weakest teams fielded against India in the past 40 years," he said.
Sehwag found a berth in the squad at the expense of Gautam Gambhir, who was left out because of an injury.
More, though, welcomed Rajasthan paceman Pankaj Singh's inclusion in the squad.
"It will be a good opportunity for the young pacer, who has been doing good for Rajasthan over the past two to three years," he said.
The 22-year-old bowler has been impressive in domestic cricket with 73 wickets in 23 first class matches.
More was of the view that the absence of Kerala's speedster S Sreesanth could make the Indian attack look depleted.
"I still feel that our pace attack lacks teeth in the absence of Sreesanth. It will not be that easy to challenge Aussies on their home turf with this bowling attack," he felt.
More was disappointed at Murali Kartik's exclusion from the final squad.
"Last time, Murali had put up a good performance against Australia, picking up wickets," he said.
More said that the batting should not be much of a problem, especially when Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh were in good form.
"However, I feel fielding is our weak link and we really need improvement in this department," he said.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}