Viru to selectors: Make IPL a benchmark

Indian Premier League's Twenty20 format may not attract purists but selectors should consider IPL performance before picking the Indian squad for the tri-series in Bangladesh and the Asia Cup in Pakistan, according to Virender Sehwag.

Indian Premier League's Twenty20 format may not attract purists but selectors should consider IPL performance before picking the Indian squad for the tri-series in Bangladesh and the Asia Cup in Pakistan, according to Virender Sehwag.

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The Delhi captain said IPL has transcended boundaries to reach people in the furthest corner and so it would be wrong to completely ignore the players' performance in the Twenty20 league.

"IPL performance should matter. Everyone is watching IPL. I'm getting SMS from England, Pakistan, West Indies, all saying we are doing well. I think selectors should take IPL performance into account when they select the Indian squad," Sehwag said.

According to him, a number of youngsters have made their mark in the IPL and they should, on a rotational basis, be blooded.

"So many youngsters have done well in the tournament. For us, Shikhar Dhawan has done well, so did V Yomahesh and Pradeep Sangwan.

"India play a tri-series in Bangladesh, they play Asia Cup in Pakistan and then there is Champions Trophy. A lot of cricket is to be played this year and I think selectors should, on rotation, give chances to the youngsters to play alongside the seniors," he said.