Ex-cricketers criticise Dravid's exclusion

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Dravid's surprise exclusion from the team for the first two One-dayers of the series against Pakistan generated sharp reactions from former international cricketers, who termed the decision as "unfair". More... Ex-cricketers criticise Dravid's exclusion PTI NEW DELHI, October 27: Rahul Dravid's surprise exclusion from the team for the first two One-dayers of the upcoming series against Pakistan on Saturday generated sharp reactions from former international cricketers, who termed the decision as "unfair". Dravid, who has played 333 ODIs and scored 10,585 runs at an average of 39.49, has been out of form for quite some time but his omission appears to be too harsh considering his track record. It was all the more baffling since Virender Sehwag was given a prolonged run to regain his form when he was going through a lean period under Dravid's captaincy. Former India coach Madal Lal declared that it was "not a right decision" by the selectors. "This is Indian cricket. How can you drop a player who has played for last 10 years for you. When you play for such long period you get bad phases and it was just a few bad innings for Dravid," he said. "Moreover, Dravid has not played at number three, which is his slot, in the last 10 innings. He is playing at five or six. How do you expect him to get runs after coming so late in the order," he said. "To get back into form you don't need rest, you need matches," he added. Former wicketkeeper Sayed Kirmani also blasted the selectors for the decision. "It is unfair. If this is the benchmark to drop the player of Rahul Dravid's calibre, then it should happen to Sachin (Tendulkar), (Sourav) Ganguly and rest of the guys also if they fail in three-four innings. The same rule should apply to all of them," he said on a television channel. Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq also expressed surprise at the decision and said it would benefit Shoaib Malik's team in the series. "Pakistan will get an advantage as Dravid is out of the team. If a famous and experienced player like Dravid is in the team, juniors can learn a lot from him," he said.

[King]

I quite agree with them of course. Rahul was batting as good as he ever did against England in England but was unlucky to get out at least on couple of times against Australia and on one occasion he came in very late in the inning where he had no chance to play a big knock. All said and done it's a blessing in disguise for Rahul this one. He could use this time to rest a bit and come up fresh for the test series. I'm sure Pakistan will be quite happy with Rahul's exclusion. I agree Rahul among the 3 players get the shortest of rope and selectors don't think hard before dropping him. It has happened to him many a times in the past and he will only have had a wry smile learning about his non selection.

[Cricketics]

Selectors forgot that the guy is the Wall of Indian Cricket.. I don't know how can Vengsarker do this.. i mean Vengsarker used to be like Dravid of India in 80z.. i thought he seez dravid like himself.. and knowz how important he is for our team..

[Online]

This is absolutely ridiculous. It is clear that Dravid and Vengsarkar had some differences of opinion which led to Dravid resigning from captaincy. Now vengsarkar is just misusing his power. Totally not on!

[The Outsider]

Vengsarkar is the real cancer of Indian cricket.

[Yuvraj4Captaincy]

Seniors hafta go even if it is unfair.

[zubinpepsi]

Seniors hafta go even if it is unfair.

wat is this seniors have to go>> a thumb rule??? whoever is not performning have to go whether its senior or junior? Big 3 and seniors have become golden words in Indian cricket of late....

[Yuvraj4Captaincy]

wat is this seniors have to go>> a thumb rule??? whoever is not performning have to go whether its senior or junior? Big 3 and seniors have become golden words in Indian cricket of late....

It's nto a thumb rule. For your convinience, lets put it this way that Dravid WASN'T performing(Is that okay now?) and he was a walking wicket so he is RESTED for 2 games.

[DravidDaBest]

Vengsarkar should be booted out. He is a total failure and haven't taken responsibility for our world cup debacle