Virender Sehwag has been dropped for the next two Tests
@abhi_bangal (4684)
Ahmednagar, India
March 7, 2013 2:55am CST
If I heard it right, Virender Sehwag has been dropped for the next two Tests by India. How do you see it? Is it a strategical move (which I believe is not), is it to bring his confidence by or is it just because he is out of form? What do you think is the real reason? However, he said that he would come back again, will he?
4 people like this
14 responses
@rahul_2689 (634)
• Hyderabad, India
7 Mar 13
Yes, I did hear it and it didn't come as a surprise at all. He's been dropped before as well so its no surprise he's been dropped again due to poor form. I'm sure though that he'll return and so will Gambhir.
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@rahul_2689 (634)
• Hyderabad, India
8 Mar 13
I don't follow the Ranji trophy carefully so I can't comment about the availability of quality openers in the country. Pujara has taken over from Dravid and seems to fit in well at no. 3 while Kohli too ain't an opener. From what I remember, Vijay with his recent performance against Australia and Jaffer for his splendid performances at domestic level (I did notice this even though I said I don't follow domestic cricket
) are the only real threat to Sehwag and Gambhir. There could be more that I'm not aware of. So, its hard to imagine they both won't be getting back together for India in the future.
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
8 Mar 13
Like you, when I heard the news, I just checked for its authenticity before starting this discussion and wasn't a bit surprised at all. However, I was surprised when he was picked up for this series as he was dropped earlier too, as you pointed out. But at the same time, I have to say that he too will make a comeback and so will Gambhir. Sehwag and Gambhir are such players who won't remain out of the Indian team for a long time, unless they have strong competition from Pujara and Kohli, etc.
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
9 Mar 13
I too do not follow it. However, I just keep track of the records and the news about it. As I had said in one of the responses somewhere here, Pujara needs to show his skills on fast pitches. When he travels to South Africa, he will really be tested.
If you are talking about openers, then yes, Vijay is there and so is Wasim Jaffer. I really like Jaffer. He is a very dedicated and devoted player. I wonder how he is out of the team for so long.
Gautam Gambhir will have to take a lot of efforts to come back in the team and retain his place. That won't be at all easy for him, especially when there are so many options available right now.
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@skjee10 (438)
• India
9 Mar 13
I think he will be be back very soon,because he is a great batsman.But his casual approach about everything bothers me much.I thing he is facing some problem about his eyesight and that's why he is wearing spectacles but what surprised me is the lack of match practice wearing this,because practice makes a man perfect.India also needs him very much for those future overseas tours.So we wants our 'Viru' to be back in our team soon.
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@ptrikha_2 (46478)
• India
13 Mar 13
Well, Virendra Sehwag does has the ability to get back in the team with the kind of skills he has. Yet, if he adopts an overconfident approach and does not practice hard, he would find it tough, what with so many other players too vying for the test openers' slot.
@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
14 Mar 13
No. I don't think he will not practice. We hardly get to know the private life of such players, how much they practice, where they do all these things and how. Let us not get into that. But I don't think he is a childish person to take things lightly. I am sure he will be back as he still deserves a place in the team.
Yes, there are players who are vying for the spot. But how many of them really stay there. We have had experimented with many opening pairs in ODIs too before India settled with Ganguly and Sachin. The same is happening in Tests too. Now we have Shikhar Dhawan. Let's wait and watch instead of taking any one player's side.
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
9 Mar 13
I am also optimistic about his return. And I also agree with you that he is very causal at times. Did you see the field placement on the first day for Sehwag when Australia bowled 3 overs. There were almost 4-5 slip fielders, may be even more. The shot that he played for a four was a bait that he could probably fall for. However, he was lucky not to get out in slips that day. But the causal approach shows that he still went after the ball.
And yes, I am sure he would get picked up for the overseas tours.
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@ptrikha_2 (46478)
• India
7 Mar 13
I think at this moment it is better may be for Virendra Sehwag also to be dropped from the team, regain form, by playing in domestic and other matches, and make a comeback to the team at the right moment.
as such, Sehwag will still get a place may be in T-20s, and IPL. So, it is up to him to decide where he needs to focus. So, let us see how this phase goes for him. May be, it will be better for both Indian cricket and Virendra Sehwag.
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
11 Mar 13
Yes, I have already mentioned that in one of my responses somewhere here. IPL has served a a great platform for many players for their respective countries. And I am sure, Sehwag will be no exception. When people see him hitting sixes and fours, he will automatically make a comeback.
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@sajujohn (1005)
• India
8 Mar 13
I should say it's a wise decision. Sehwag deserves it. There is no logic in continuing in time when Sehwag is not in form. It should be better playing some other players who could score 30-40 runs more. But at the same time we have to admit that Sehwag is a kind of batsman who is never in form or out of form. He has his on playing style. Therefore we can hope that he will come back soon and entertain us.
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
8 Mar 13
Rightly said. Sehwag is a batsman who is above form. On his given day he can score tons of runs and on the next come back to the pavilion as if it were too hot in the middle. That is difficult to understand. But I would suggest he keeps out of the Test forever now. As Sachin has quit ODIs and is only concentrating on Tests, Sehwag should do the opposite. Players like Sehwag are needed in ODIs and especially in T20s.
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@anilhclites (844)
• India
7 Mar 13
If Sehwag retires from Test Cricket its all over for Sehwag. Respect come from Test cricket. Selectors headed by Sandip Patil slowly and steadily is removing weak-senior-link from Indian team and that will augur well for India. Zaheer out, Gambhir out, Sehwag out, Yuvraj and Raina out for their lack of technique at highest level, Laxman retired, so only Sachin and Harbhajan are left now. If Harbhajan doesn't perform in coming two matches, he will too face the axe.
Now I believe that India will give some fight to SA on their soil.
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
8 Mar 13
If Sehwag retires from Test cricket, there's a lot for Sehwag. I really feel Sehwag is not a player for Test cricket. We have been seeing it for years and I don't need to advocate this fact. Time and again commentators have also said this that he is an attacking cricketer and Test cricket doesn't require such a mindset.
However, I believe playing only ODI and T20 cricket will help him even more. He is that kind of a player and that format needs players like him. Do you remember how he got to his first triple century - by coming down to a spinner and hitting a six when he was on 295. No Indian had a triple century in Tests before. He is the first one. But he didn't think of the record. The ball was in the firing line and it was dealt with as Sehwag would normally do. This shows his attitude.
As far as other players and their retirement is concerned, India is likely to go down. See what happened to Australia - there's no Gilchrist, McGrath, Hayden, Langer, Warne, the Waugh brothers and Ponting. The entire team is slipping down. I just hope that if the new crop of players like Bhuvi and Jadeja apart from the like of Kohli and Raina perform well, India won't go down to those levels as Australia have.
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
8 Mar 13
I find your answer totally practical and down to earth. A bad patch here or there should not be the characteristic to determine a side's performance. To see how a side performs, one has also to see its history. And history is on Aussie side. Even India was struggling after the World Cup triumph. It had one of the most bad patches Indian cricket has ever seen. I guess, the same is with Australia at the moment. Their batsmen aren't really accustomed to Indian conditions and it is very likely for them to falter, the same way as it happned to Indian batsmen Down Under.
When India travel to South Africa, that's the real test. People have started calling Pujara Dravid's replacement. But I have always maintained that he needs to prove himself on fast pitches and overseas. That's where the real test for the batsman is. Yes, let him bask in the glory at the moment. But very soon the same basking will probably turn into heat. I hope that doesn't happen to him. And I believe he will turn out good. The only thing is that people over here shouldn't start calling for his head if he has a couple of failures.
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@anilhclites (844)
• India
8 Mar 13
Australia level has not dipped to much. They are still tough to beat any day in any major tournament. It's just that they are struggling in India and every team struggle here. Losing in India is not a crime. Australia are not going to be beaten black and blue in coming Ashes. Their batsmen are good but not good enough in India. Take India out of question and they are good side. They nearly came close to beat SA. Like Ganguly, I too believe that real test of Indian players will in SA, NZ, Eng and Australia. Doesn't matter how much Pujara score here, if he score a century in SA, that will be his best innings till then.
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@thewonderboy (7501)
• India
9 Mar 13
Oh! It was a terrible news for me. He was one of the most successful opener for India. And now due to his poor form he dropped from the final eleven. Anyway I still believe that he will definitely come back into the squad very shortly.
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
9 Mar 13
Like you there are many optimistic fans of Sehwag and I am also one of them. I am sure he will come back. It is only a matter of time. India can't do without Sehwag at the moment.
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@ajithlal (14716)
• India
11 Mar 13
I think Sehwag is not in good form and should be given a break. I think Sehwag should try to play some domestic matches and try to get back to form and then try to get back to team. I think he is a very good player and most probably can get into form very quickly. ![](/Content/images/emotes/happy.gif)
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
15 Mar 13
That is exactly what he will be doing - playing domestic matches. That will give him a lot of confidence. And after all the IPL will soon be starting. So, there will be automatically enough practice for him. I am sure he will use all the matches as good practice matches to prove his point.
There is still no question of dropping him for good. He has the potential to come back and play for India and he will do it, I am sure.
@ram_cv (16513)
• India
7 Mar 13
I think it was a good move. Sehwag has been really woeful this whole season except for the one 100 he got against England. Also playing with specs, I am not sure his hand eye combination is still there. This gives wonderful chance to either Shikhar Dhawan or Ajinkya Rahane for a place in the team. Personally I will go with Rahane though he is billed as a middle order batsmen by our selectors.
Cheers!
Ram
@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
8 Mar 13
There are so many failures for Sehwag that the century has got overshadowed. And I also feel that the spects have a role to play in his not being able to get the footing and timing right. If that holds true, then the Aussies shouldn't think that they got him out of merit. It was Sehwag's poor form itself like it was for Shaun Marsh in the previous series when India visited Australia.
As far as Rahane and Dhawan are concerned, I feel either one of them will get a chance to play now. Shikhar Dhawan has been an opener and so is Rahane. It doesn't matter what tag the selectors give to Rahane. Do you know, players like Ponting and Dilshan were also middle order batsmen before they opened their innings for their countries regularly (Ponting wasn't a regular opener though). And how would we forget our very own Sachin. He too played in the middle order before being promoted as an opener.
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@anil02 (24688)
• India
7 Mar 13
Yes it is right Sehwag dropped for the next two test. Indeed he is not in form. When other batesmen are making good runs than he made is single figure. It is common problem with all players. he must be play local tournament like Gambhir and Sachine.
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
9 Mar 13
That's exactly what I want to say too. IPL commercial and Sehwag has been paid for that. His team won't experiment. He will go full monty there and try to prove himself. After all, it is the question of proving.
@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
8 Mar 13
That is one thing that also struck me - when there were runs from the top order like Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara, Sehwag was finding it hard even to reach the double figures. However, the upcoming IPL should help him regain his lost form. There are many players (who are not currently in the Indian team) who were able to make a comeback to the national side after playing IPL in previous seasons. So, I think, that should help him.
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@akp100 (13640)
• India
7 Mar 13
Hi Abhi
Even I have heard that he lose his position from the team for next tests.. Well, He his a great cricketer for sure, but not in a form at all. So yes it is good move to make him out for time being. He is a good cricketer so I am sure he can come back in team no time after getting his form back. He is my favorite too, but right now yes he is not in form so other player should get chance instead of him... I don't think it is strategical move, he got out just because of his current form. ![](/Content/images/emotes/surrender.gif)
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
8 Mar 13
Class is permanent, form is temporary, is what many commentators say from time to time. This is how Sehwag fits into. He is a world-class player and a match winner. No one should doubt this and his abilities. However, no one is above this rule. All have failed at different times in their career and so his Sehwag.
However, I also agree with you that it is a good decision to rest him. Yes, let me call that as the board giving him some rest. He is not in the form and is doing no good to the team or for himself. It is better not to play him and give a chance to someone like Shikhar Dhawan or Ajinkya Rahane.
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
8 Mar 13
But that's not every time how it goes. Am I right? That is easier said than done. There are influential people around and that makes selection a difficult choice. But even if that is put aside, some players are there on their merit, their history and not necessarily on their current form. Do you remember, Yusuf Pathan had a very poor series in IPL, I guess last year or a couple of years ago. But the commentators were saying that he is there just because he is a power hitter and can change the course of the match in no time and secondly because he has been paid heavily for that. So, why not use his services?
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@akp100 (13640)
• India
8 Mar 13
Yes, many youngsters are waiting who already having good form right now. So yes who having the good form now deserves the chance in team.. other should be rest. When they get form back they can be in team in no time. Thats how team management select the players.
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@mohkanari (1957)
• India
8 Mar 13
I too think it is an unwanted decision at this time though Sehwag is failing to find form for last many matches. It isn't possible that all players to have their good form in a match or a series. Here India is in good and winning team work and making NO change is a decent policy. When a match winning player such Sehwag is made out from team in the name of off form it will hurt his confidence and motivation especially at this end period of his cricket career.
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
8 Mar 13
They say, don't change the winning combination. But if one player is not performing, it should be seen in a wider view. As doctors advice their patients to go out of town or to change their daily routine or go on a vacation to refresh themselves, it helps. I have experienced this myself. I break is really needed. No one can perform continuously and if that happens it is better to keep him away and let his mind have rest. The same with Sehwag. It is the mind that needs rest, so let him have it. If that's going to bring the best out of him, then why not?
And he has himself said that he will come back. That shows his confidence there itself, isn't it?
@SuperShames (780)
• India
13 Mar 13
Hi abhi_bangal.
Well I think this would be the most ideal time to drop someone like Sehwag who has been out of form recently. This will not only give him more motivation to get his game right but also give opportunity for others to make their name. Though I am very sure that Sehwag will be back in the test squad in no time. Anyways let us see. What happens in future. Will it turn out to be a good decision or bad ?
Have a nice day !!
SuperShames![](/Content/images/emotes/thumbup.gif)
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
15 Mar 13
Yes, I too feel that there is nothing wrong in dropping Sehwag. If that is ultimately going to help him, why not do that in the interest of the team and he too? I really fail to understand why it is seen as a move to oust him for good. I don't think Dhoni might have anything to do with that. After all to win matches under his captaincy, he too needs players like Sehwag, Tendulkar and Kohli in the team, right?
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@SuperShames (780)
• India
15 Mar 13
Hi abhi_bangal.
I don't know why people are making such a big issue out of it. It is not the first time that Sehwag has been kept out of the team.And we all know that he will be back in no time. You cant keep someone as talented as Sehwag on the bench for so long. Have a nice day !!!
@SuperShames (780)
• India
16 Mar 13
Hi abhi_bangal.
Things change so quickly in cricket. Dhawn has become a cricketing hero in just a day's time. If India wins this test match and Dhawan gets the man of the match then Dhawan will stay in the the Indian cricket team for one more test series.
Have a nice day !!
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@asokavaradhana (257)
• India
10 Mar 13
There are few reasons behind the ouster.Number one reason is the prolonged out of form of Sehwag. He might have hit a hundred last year but apart from that there has been low scores.There needs to be some scores which should be there for opener even if its not fifties or hundreds.But sadly it has been very low average for him.So, to help him discover his form, it was nice to drop him.Another reason is his way of batting needs a little fine tuning.It should not always be punch hitter mode of operation.It will also help to see if Sehwag can come in middle order if its going to help team.True it will be great in a flat pitch.Third,we need to test our other players and see their roles in team.We need to brood some players as in another 3-4 years, 3-4 players will be leaving the arena and so we need to groom some players before we get into a big transition moment.But then i think if Sehwag gets into some form, he should be there in team either as opener.But then his career in ODI has some doubts.It needs to be seen what he could do to get back his ODI cap.Perhaps test cap i think is more easier to get than te ODI or T20 cap for him right now.Hope he can turn around things.Thanks!
@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
15 Mar 13
Well, I don't think a batsman like Virender Sehwag is made for a middle order slot. If attacking nature is natural to him, why not take advantage of that and let him score runs. But yes, at the same time it should also be seen that he does not take unnecessary risks (which sadly he is always doing!). I agree with what you say - players like Sehwag himself apart from Sachin will be retiring soon. But there is young crop of players in the form of Kohli, Raina, Pujara, Dhawan who can be in the team. There are still many more that I can mention here.
The role of a player should be cut out and that's for sure.
@boxer1 (37)
•
9 Mar 13
My friend people in this country have very short memories. We forgot that we were beaten by 0-8 abroad. Whitewashed. Even England whipped us at our home soil.
So SEHWAG dropped.
Now a new guy. RAHANE. HAHAHAHAHA, STEIN is gonna eat him in SAFRICA. His feet does not move.
huuh people again started chanting about this team.
Watch my words guys.
Sehwag easily could have been given 2 more chances at least. Everyone goes throgh the kind of bad patch he is having.
What was Sachin's performance a few days back.
And Rohit Sharma ,do u remember??
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@abhi_bangal (4684)
• Ahmednagar, India
10 Mar 13
I very much agree with you. Dale Stein is not going to keep Rahane comfortable out there. I have seen his footwork as you pointed out and they don't just move. There is such a huge gap between the bat and the pad that we both can comfortably pass through
I hope Sehwag will be recalled in the Indian team when we travel to South Africa. Without him we are not prepared to face the bowling. But I guess, this expulsion from the team should be a blessing in disguise. It will give him rest and the will to come back and perform. If that happens, what more should India ask for!
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