Let's look at this logically, in a step-by-step manner. The Indian batting has fallen apart this season. It's been a drastic, dramatic collapse of a batting line-up called the best in the world.
Two, India have lost their best batsman to injury at a crucial juncture. Sachin Tendulkar is out.
Three, while it is impossible to find a replacement for Tendulkar, you have to try to get the best possible person for the job. Ergo, you get a specialist batsman. Maybe one who can open, given Sehwag's current form and the paucity of openers in the one-day squad (look at Laxman being thrown up the order), someone who has the experience if possible—someone who has been particularly impressive—or then, at least, give a youngster with the world before him a chance.
Many strange things have happened in the aftermath of Tendulkar's injury and Rohan Gavaskar's retention in the squad for Champions Trophy. Everyone of course knows more or less what happened with Dinesh Mongia and the apparent mix-up by the Board.
But was it just that? There are lots of unanswered questions. Two reporters in London called their offices in India just when the Tendulkar news broke on Saturday and were separately told that chief National selector Syed Kirmani had indicated that Mongia would be picked.
{{/usCountry}}But was it just that? There are lots of unanswered questions. Two reporters in London called their offices in India just when the Tendulkar news broke on Saturday and were separately told that chief National selector Syed Kirmani had indicated that Mongia would be picked.
{{/usCountry}}National selector from the North, Kirti Azad was clearly displeased that BCCI joint secretary Ratnakar Shetty said he could not get in touch with him when the issue of replacement came up. "My phones are on 24 hours a day," he told Hindustan Times. "There is no reason why the Board office could not reach me. In any case, I am in touch with other selectors off and on all the time."