The selectors have picked a Team India that gives the country the best chance to defend the title in Australia and New Zealand in February-March. In their refusal to pick any of the golden oldies from the triumph at home in 2011 and for whose selection there was such a clamour, they have displayed an ideal lack of sentimentality. Most of them are way over the hill and to believe they might crank it up when the crunch comes is wishful thinking. The likes of Yuvraj, Sehwag, Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh made phenomenal contributions to India’s memorable second World Cup triumph; their omission now takes away nothing from their classy exploits.
The time to move on came a while ago. The selectors have placed faith in a young bunch, some of whom have been around a few years. And there is no doubting that Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the best man to lead India in limited-overs matches, and by a long chalk at that. A majority of the 15 players picked themselves.
The presence of Stuart Binny as an all-rounder can be questioned, so too the propriety of his father being on the committee. Roger Binny may have recused himself when his son’s case was being discussed but, given the problems cricket has been facing, it would have been better had the senior Binny stayed away altogether. However, as a combination, India has the credentials of a champion, although they would well know that the bowling and fielding must pick up enormously if the team is not to suffer in the summit rounds.
