SL Test selection

Consistency in selection is what everybody looks for, and that is where I think this selection panel has failed. Yuvraj Singh was dropped from the ODI squad for the Asia cup and the decision was justified given Yuvraj's appaling recent fitness. Even so there was a lot of understandable skepticism, given Yuvraj's track record as a match winner in the shorter formats of the game. Nevertheless, no player is above the game and the message to Yuvraj Singh should be shape up or get ready to be shipped out.

That is why his selection to the test team less than a fortnight after he was overlooked for the Asia cup is baffling. Yuvraj, as I've said before is a fantastic limited overs batsman. He's singlehandedly swung many a game in India's favor and should, fitness permitting, still be an important member of the ODI squad. Test cricket though is a different ball game. Yuvraj even in his ODI hay days has struggled to make an impact in the test arena. Yet the selectors seem to have decided that he is a permanent fixture in the Indian middle order.

The last time India played a test series, Yuvraj missed out because of fitness problems. Badrinath and Rohit Sharma were then named in the squad. Badrinath played 2 tests (3 innings) scored a fighting half century in his debut innings and then failed in the remaining two outings. It was certainly not a performance that set the stage on fire, but it certainly should have merited another opportunity. Its only fair that he be given a chance to state a case for himself. Despite Yuvraj's numerous failures he seems to be given a free pass every time.

Rohit Sharma who was selected for that test series is now dropped without even being given an opportunity to stake his claim. Raina who was not part of that squad has now suddenly overtaken both Sharma & Badrinath as the reserve batsman. With the senior batsman surely coming to the end of their illustrious careers, India needs a selection panel that is consistent and has the ability to make brave decisions that will ensure that the inevitable transition that will occur is a relatively smooth one.