After the big win, the big question: What does the Twenty20 triumph mean for the future of the Big Three of Indian cricket Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly?
After the big win, the big question: What does the Twenty20 triumph mean for the future of the Big Three of Indian cricket Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly?
Over a fortnight in which Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s unheralded team turned the cricket world upside down, aficionados have been discussing the merits of India’s young brigade despite the absence of India’s premier players from this tournament, and whether the time is now ripe for a revamp.
The debate got a fillip when Dhoni stated in his post-match acceptance speech that “some of these guys (his team members) must find a place in the main team, definitely.’’ The remark may have meant to acknowledge the support of his colleagues, but it could spark off a new line of thought in the cricket establishment.
Interestingly, two members of the selection committee DNA spoke to had contrasting views. “Twenty20 is vastly different from 50-over matches and Tests,’’ said one. “It would not be right to discard experience.” The other selector, however, had a different take.
“The T20 success has given us enough encouragement to experiment with youngsters. Eventually they have to leave,” he said. Neither selector, obviously, was willing to be identified.
Popular sentiment, garnered from SMS, internet and telephony polls suggests that the masses believe Indian cricket should look ahead, though former cricketers, including those who have been selectors, think that the old guard still stands firm and cannot be consigned to history yet.
``Let’s not get ahead of time,’’ cautions former India captain Ravi Shastri. Navjot Singh Sidhu, former opener, says, ``the T20 success should not threaten the careers of the old pros. These are experienced players and they have contributed a lot to the country. One cannot compare Tendulkar with any player, he is a great player and remains to be so.”
Syed Kirmani, former selection committee chairman, was for the continuation of the three seniors. “The three should be utilised for the other version of the game. This is the time when the role of the selectors becomes very important. There have been occasions when the selectors have not picked the right players, which should not happen,” he said.
Ajit Wadekar, a former India captain, coach and selector says Sachin, Rahul and Sourav are of a different class. “T20 success should not be yardstick for a Test berth.”
Karsan Ghavri, former India bowler, concurs. “The real test for the players is the Test cricket and experience counts a lot in the five-day game. India needs Sachin, Sourav and Rahul.”
Chandu Borde, manager on the tour of, however, was non-committal on the issue. “It is the job of the selectors.’’
It is and — in the current context — appears a rather tricky one too.
(With inputs from Joe Williams)
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