The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Sehwag's place in jeopardy

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Sunday, Dec 31, 2006
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Sehwag's place in jeopardy

Special Correspondent

Durban: Virender Sehwag's place as an opener could be in jeopardy for the third Test after his twin failures at Kingsmead. The opener has failed to inspire confidence on the South African tour.

Speaking to The Hindu, the Chairman of the selection panel, Dilip Vengsarkar, said, "He obviously has a lot of ability. But what has been worrying me is that he has not appeared convincing at the crease. He looks like he is going to get out in a matter of minutes."

The Indian top-order has been a major problem area and changes are expected for the decider in Cape Town.

Said Vengsarkar, "He has his own technique, his own footwork. He is a hand-eye coordination player. His basics are not strong. When the going is not good, he is finding it tough to come out of a bad patch."

Critical of Jaffer

The selection panel chief was also critical of Wasim Jaffer's ill-advised attempted pull stroke on the final day of the second Test here.

"He is looking good but he has to contribute to the team's cause. He has a sound technique but what is the use if he gets out after settling in," said Vengsarkar.

In contention for WC

While he was non-committal about Sehwag's place for the third Test, Vengsarkar said the batsman was in the scheme of things for the World Cup.

Former India opener Ravi Shastri felt Sehwag need to be talked to. "It needs to be explained to him what his role in the side is. The feedback from him will be equally important."

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