Controversial selection

The Indian team for the home series against Sri Lanka was announced yesterday. The surprise selection was that of the recall of Sreesanth. What has prompted me to write this piece is the response to this news – especially on the internet. Within hours of the announcement of the team, people have been generous in dishing out their views – mostly slamming the selection. While the forums are buzzing with (personal) views for and against Sreesanth, what is horrendous is the way some news sites have reported the news. Rediff for instance reported it in a very negative way - ‘shocking move’, ‘disruptive pacer’ were the words used in the news item.

First let us look at the selection itself on pure cricketing terms – retaining the right arm quicks in the current squad was not an option - they have not exactly covered themselves with glory in the series against Australia.. Though Sreesanth had an average Ranji outing on a bowler unfriendly track at Thalassery last week, he did reasonable well in county cricket earlier this summer. Why not pick the one proven genuine right arm swing bowler in the country?

Secondly on the attitude aspect – Most of his critics do not doubt his talent, they doubt his mental make up. While it is true that Sree has had a forgettable past, he has been cooling his heels in the shade for quite some time now. In my view, this should be time enough - for someone who has tasted success at the international level and been deprived of it - to learn from the past.

Maybe Sreesanth got a second (or third?) chance because others (Ishanth & Munaf) did not perform but I think this time he should grab the opportunity with both hands. Being in the company of a senior like Zaheer would do him good. The Lankans will be trying to provoke him during the series, hope he keeps his cool and focuses on the job at hand.

Suppose Sreesanth gets a 5 wicket haul in one of the tests, the same people who are out to crucify him now will be singing praises!! What is being described as 'tantrum' now would be described as 'spirit' then.