The Hindu : Sport : Jaffer gets the nod, Kumble recalled

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Jaffer gets the nod, Kumble recalled

Special Correspondent

There are good players, but they are not up to international class, says Vengsarkar

— Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash

AN OPENING FOR AN OPENER: Wasim Jaffer, with his solid technique, could be a useful asset on the hard and bouncy pitches of South Africa.

Chandigarh: Dilip Vengsarkar made a bold statement here on Monday. It should not only cause concern to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), but also send a strong message to the first class players in the country that they will not get the India cap with just a few impressive performances.

After presiding over his first meeting as chairman of the national selection committee, Vengsarkar said, "To be honest, India doesn't have exceptional talent now. There are good first class players, but they are not up to international class.''

On Monday the selection committee chose opener Wasim Jaffer, leg-spinner Anil Kumble, wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Kaarthick and left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan for the first part of the tour to South Africa during which India will play five one-day internationals.

Coach Greg Chappell and captain Rahul Dravid were also present at the meeting.

Surprise selection

Ajit Agarkar's selection though was surprising, although confirmation of his joining the touring party will be made on November 10, three day's before the team's departure. Punjab seamer V.R.V. Singh is on standby should Agarkar be declared unfit.

According to reliable BCCI sources, former Gujarat Ranji Trophy player, Dr. Pratap Desai has given a report to the BCCI that Agarkar's injured thumb will take at least four weeks to heal. Agarkar hurt his left thumb while fielding in the India-West Indies Champions Trophy match at Motera.

For the first time in six years, India's squad for a one-day international series comprises 16 players. On the face of it, it appears that the selectors are keen to give exposure to Jaffer on wickets that are likely to be hard and afford bounce.

Articulating his views on Jaffer's selection, Vengsarkar said, "We preferred a player with solid technique. Jaffer is also a proven player and that's the reason we chose him ahead of Gautam Gambhir. Any player who has excelled in Tests can do well in one-day cricket. Jaffer will be useful on the hard wickets in South Africa.''

On the non-selection of V.V.S. Laxman, Vengsarkar said, "There's no question about Laxman's ability, he's a class batsman. It will be a different team for the Test series. Laxman is not fit enough now to be recalled to the side for one-day internationals. A troubling hamstring forced him to withdraw from the Challenger series.''

On the cards

Leg-spinner Kumble's selection was on the cards. "He's a class bowler and an integral part of the Indian team,'' said Vengsarkar.

The selectors dropped left-arm seamer Rudra Pratap Singh and off-spinner Ramesh Powar, and retained left-hand batsman Suresh Raina. Vengsarkar said that Raina has to perform and grow with the team.

"Zaheer is bowling well and among wickets. This is a balanced team and we would be able to pick the best combination for the World Cup. Apart from the five one-day internationals in South Africa, India is scheduled to play four each against Sri Lanka and the West Indies early next year," he added.

Vengsarkar said that the Indian team's dismal display in the Champions Trophy was discussed at length in the meeting. "We, including Chappell and Dravid, are disappointed. We had a bad match against the West Indies at Motera. One or two from the top five have to bat till the very end. Moreover we did not get early breakthroughs against Australia.''

Dravid's captaincy

When asked if Rahul Dravid's captaincy would be reviewed, Vengsarkar replied, "No. He's been appointed captain till the World Cup and there's no question of his captaincy being reviewed."

Later in the day, a communication from the BCCI Secretary, Niranjan Shah confirmed that Yuvraj Singh will not be part of the one-day series in South Africa and that his place has been taken by Dinesh Karthik. Yuvraj was examined at the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai by the BCCI's medical advisor Dr. Joshi.

According to a report Yuvraj has suffered a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament with some amount of bruising of the bone in the left knee and that there is a swelling of the knees. Dr. Joshi has prescribed exercises and advised Yuvraj to walk with the aid of crutches.

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