Virender Shewag Dropped for Australia Tests, Is it all over?

Dashing Opener Virender Sehwag has been axed from ongoing Australian tests which were scheduled to play in Mohali and Delhi. Former Captain Sourav Ganguly feels this is harsh decision taken by the selectors to drop match winning player like Viru.

Virender Sehwag dropped for Australia Tests of Home Series

All eyes were on India’s team selection for remaining tests, as expected the Delhi batsmen has lost his way out from the team. Earlier, his partner Gautam Gambhir has also been omitted for Australia series due to lack of form.

BCCI Secretary Sanjay Jagdale announced the 14 member squad in which selectors decided against picking a replacement for Sehwag. However, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh who was shaky has retained his spot. There was no replacement in place of Sehwag, which suggest that either Shikhar Dhawan or Ajinkya Rahane might find a place in final playing XI.

34-year-old Sehwag has failed to perform in 5 consecutive Tests after scoring a century in the opening game against England in home series at Ahmedabad in November-December last year. Later, he was failed meet the expectations in New Zealand Test series. Viru has only managed 198 runs in 8 innings of Australia series.  

Meanwhile, Rahul Dravid earlier stated that selectors need to take a call on Sehwag. By the exclusion of Virender Sehwag selectors made it clear that any player who is out of form will be dropped looking ahead of Indian cricket future. Selectors are keen to encourage young talents as Team India will be travelling to South Africa and New Zealand later this year.

Sourav Ganguly shared his views saying that, Sehwag is a game changer unfortunately he has been failed to perform consistently, but sure he will make his comeback grand. Dada also hinted there by omitting Viru will now put more pressure on Bhaji. So Hrabhajan should take 5-wicket haul in his next outing?

Dravid felt that Sehwag can be dropped down the batting order and by giving chance to open in home advantage for a new player, will boost his confidence to face some of the best bowling attacks of South Africa with likes of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander in overseas.

The Prince of Kolkata hinted a word of advice to Viru ‘Don't give up, go and play county cricket and you will come back stronger.’ However, Sehwag vowed to make his comeback to Indian Team.

Indian squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Capt.), Sachin Tendulkar, Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma, Ashok Dinda, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Sehwag: Harbhajan will soon make his comeback

Indian dashing opener Virender Sehwag said Harbhajan Singh, who is axed for out-of-will be back with Team India, saying it is ‘just a matter of time before the off-spinner gets back in form to regain his place in the Indian team.

Both Sehwag said Harbhajan has been dropped from the team for the first two ODIs against England starting on Friday of %-match ODI series. However the duo has to sweat it out in the domestic circuit to get his mojo back.

Sehwag quoted that Harbhajan is a champion bowler and there is no doubt he will stage a comeback. Bhaji is playing in the Challenger series in Nagpur, he has to work hard in domestic cricket, Sehwag said during an interview.

Sehwag recalled that he remembers when he was dropped from the team in 2007. Sehwag played domestic cricket and worked his way back into the team. That is the only way to do it and it will be just a matter of time and Harbhajan to be back with Team India. The Delhi opener is still recuperating from his shoulder injury that burst up during the Test series in England. Sehwag is hoping to return against West Indies which is scheduled from next month. West Indies will be touring of India for 3 Tests and 5 ODI’s slated to start on Nov 6, but there are no details of the series.

Sehwag said that he is doing fine as he has come to the NCA and the rehabilitation is going on well. There is no timeframe of rehab has been set but he is working hard for making is comeback with the team and said he is targeting West Indies series for comeback.