Ganguly's axing defies logic

When the selectors dropped Sourav Ganguly from the ODI squad, it came as a shocker for not only Ganguly, but also for the millions of cricket fans in the country. Ironically, the news came when the nation was celebrating its team's exceptional performance at Perth, in which they humbled the mighty Australians. Even Ganguly's detractors are upset over the way he was again handed over a shabby treatment.

Since his comeback in January 2007, Sourav has scored 1,240 runs in 32 matches on an average of 44.28. He scored 12 half centuries with the highest score being 98. In terms of average, he was India's most successful batsman in the last 12 months. If we consider the number of runs scored, Ganguly was on fourth position among all players in the world for 2007. It's really shocking and surprising that he was dropped despite delivering the best.

Why Ganguly was dropped? Reports suggest that Chief Selector Dilip Vengsarkar was in favor of Ganguly's selection. But his decision was vetoed by two other selectors and the captain Dhoni. It's really difficult to believe that Dhoni, who always received support from Sourav Ganguly, would do such a condemnable job. But, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) joint secretary Samar Pal sees Dhoni's hand in Ganguly's axing, as Dhoni did not want seniors in his team.

Another reason could be the phasing out of senior players by BCCI selectors. After India's disastrous performance in the World Cup and spectacular performance in the Twenty20 World Cup, there have been demands for replacing the senior players with energetic juniors in the team. It seems that BCCI selectors are doing exactly the same thing. They not only dropped Dravid, Laxman and Murali Kathik, but also an in-form Sourav Ganguly from the team.

Whatever may be reason, Ganguly axing cannot be justified. The selectors preferred to do their experiment against top teams like Australia and Sri Lanka on Australian soil. It may prove costly for the morale of the team, which looked rejuvenated after the win at Perth.