Out of form opener Virender Sehwag’s inclusion in the squad to tour Australia comes as a real surprise, especially as he was apparently not even in the list of probables.

I wonder if our selectors are reacting to a column by Ian Chappell in the Sunday Mid-Day last weekend. The Aussie had questioned Sehwag’s exclusion from the side, mentioning his exploits on the 2003-04 tour of Australia, and why he merited a place in the Indian team if India were to tame the Aussie quicks.

Sehwag has been a good player and on his day can destroy any attack, but is simply no longer the force he was four years ago. Of late, he has been beset with weight and fitness problems. His batting too has not been top class, and for someone who relies mainly on his sense of timing and hand-eye co-ordination (footwork & technique being non-existent, of course.. ), he has been found wanting in the runs department.

Another thought:

Could this be an Aussie ploy to make Sehwag “look good”, thereby causing the selectors to pick him in the team, so he could effectively be reduced to an easy target for the Aussie bowlers ? Wouldn’t put it past them to try a bit of gamesmanship..