Selecting Chawla was baseless

[WeStMiDz]

I think Chawla is getting an unfair pasting on here. Sure he may have popped out of the blue but if the team management genuinely want to play 2 specialist spinners then it is reasonable to have 3 in the squad. As other people have alluded to, Chawla is a superior fielder and batsman to his main rival (Ojha) so although his bowling may be a little inferior, it is his all round game that must have given him the nod. Let's not forget his batting has improved no end since he first came on to the scene. I've seen him smash some very stylish sixes off spinners in county cricket. As for his bowling, I haven't seen it much lately but as others say the legspin option can definitely be utilised with success against the likes of England and South Africa.

[youngindia]

chawla cannot be a no.7 .he is no 8 at best. It would very foolish to send him at no 7. i am disappointed at the reasons given. i hope that chawla has developed a stock leg break and have some new tricks in the bag since we last saw him.

[pensionplan]

Dhoni defends Chawla's inclusion in World Cup squad

Hmm...ok. And that is news for you. What exactly is he supposed to say? That Chawla is a quota candidate though that may be the truth especially after they left out someone like a Ojha and pulled this trick right out of the hat by including this Chawla guy who has not appeared in a ODI in close to 2 years for India and all of a sudden they realized this is the missing piece. Come on now.

[yoda]

[b As for his bowling, I haven't seen it much lately but as others say the legspin option can definitely be utilised with success against the likes of England and South Africa.

cause he last played a ODI July, 2008 :yikes:

[Sachin=GOD]

I don't see much chance of Chawla getting even one game in the World Cup.

[Castro]

I wouldn't say selecting Chawla was baseless. However, it does give India a extra specialist spinner being a leggie, wereby most teams would struggle on sub-continent conditions. He could be a suprise weapon and a useful batsman lower down the order. Then again, he has not played a match since summer of 2008, which is risky.

[zen]

Definately a surprise selection but who knows may be he is destined to come up with a match winning performance in the WC :P As long as we have the top 12-13 guys in the squad, I wouldn't lose my sleep over one or two selections. Would have prefered a reserve WK but I guess you can have one travel with the squad so that he can be drafted at a short notice

[jhakati]

so, how shiit is chawla?

[cowboysfan]

I think chawla is a good bowler but international cricket is too much for him,he has completely lost it in this world cup.

[achilles]

You spammers, what have you turned this thread into :(( On topic, I think it was highly illogical to prepare Jaddu for 6 months and then desert him. Also, after picking Chawla (whatever the equations he shares with the captain), we must not write him off. Give him an opportunity. This guy mercilessly pwnd no less than the Aussies. And yes, Ojha would've been a superb pick. And if we desperately wanted a Leggie in the squad, I'd pick Amit Mishra.

[Sachinism]

Chawla has had no control of the ball. Don't think he knows where its gonna land, just rips the ball

[jhakati]

I think chawla is a good bowler but international cricket is too much for him' date='he has completely lost it in this world cup.[/quote'] lol its been a known fact chawla sucks big time under any sort of pressure, nothing new, everyone knew this except the selectors

[achilles]

lol its been a known fact chawla sucks big time under any sort of pressure' date=' nothing new, everyone knew this [b']except the selectors

We'd be doubting the logic of the selectors if we think it was their decision. I think the captain might have had a major say in it, given the ferocious defence he made when questioned about why Chawla was picked and not Sreesanth, when the 15 were initially announced. Nevertheless, lets hope he proves his backer right.

[VRV Singh]

If he's gonna be picked he needs to go back to basics rather than spraying it...this can happen with a leggie but we can't afford for it in every game. Lucky today that no other bowler was expensive and the part-timers were able to compensate.

[Karan114]

I think chawla is a good bowler but international cricket is too much for him' date='he has completely lost it in this world cup.[/quote'] He's OK, not brilliant, but yes, under pressure he is looking even worse. If he can't perform on this pitch against the Irish then there are serious issues of temperament.

[NareshK]

Ojha would have been devastating on Indian pitches. I dont know why he is always sidelined. He is even the highest wicket taker and most economical in IPL. He is also in our test team and picks wickets.

[Clarke]

Ojhi :((

[ghost]

Bye bye Chawla (Finally! ) Welcome Ashwin... Best of luck !

[jhakati]

Bye bye Chawla (Finally! ) Welcome Ashwin... Best of luck !

yea thankfully this clown chawla has outbowled himself out of the indian side for next 5 years at least!!

[Manny_Pacquiao]

lame stuff. he bowls some great deliveries, but for every good delivery he bowls, he sends down about 3 bad ones. ashwin should play the rest of the tournament