Sehwag rebuts Wright's claims

Viru refuted ex-coach's charge of biased selection, saying that talent cannot remain hidden for long.

Indian vice-captain Virender Sehwag rebutted John Wright's charge that there was zonal bias in team selection, saying five men are involved in picking a player and talent cannot be hidden for long.

HT Image

"Talented players get picked whether he is from west or north zone," Sehwag said at a press conference.

"Obviously when you have a north zone selector in the committee, he will make a mention about players who have been performing well at the meeting."

"The player does not get selected because he is from north zone. Ultimately it is the decision of the five selectors," the Delhi batsman said on the final day of the fitness camp in Bangalore.

"If you want more details you speak to John Wright as he had attended all meetings in his five-year stint," he added.

Wright, the former coach, had said in his recently published book 'Indian Summers', that India's selection system was based on zonal quota.

Sehwag welcomed the return of Sachin Tendulkar to the team after an injury layoff and confirmed that the duo will open the innings in the tri-series in Sri Lanka.

"It depends on what combination we use and require. Obviously, if Tendulkar is there, he and I will open," he said.

"Winning matches is more important and keeping the same batting order does not mean anything to me. All teams in the world experiment in one-day matches."

Sehwag said the team was keen to set its one-day record in Sri Lanka straight.
"We have been going there and getting into the final without success. This time we want to win the cup," he said of the triseries to be held from August 14 to 29.

Sehwag said South Africa, the third team in the fray, were a top one-day side but the conditions would be in favour of the subcontinent teams.

"As for south Africa, they have some exciting young players. But the weather conditions and the slower wickets will be of advantage to us."

Sehwag was appreciative of the idea to use kookaburra balls during the cricket-specific camp to be held from August 5 in Bangalore.

"When we go abroad, we play with kookaburra balls. It swings more but does not help spinners as the seam goes in after about 30 or 40 overs."

"It was more challenging mentally than physically. We were training in groups," he said.

"The boys enjoyed shooting mostly. We were made to do some drills that the troops do on our borders."

"The situation was one has to save his partner and himself. In a sense, it was important because in cricket while running between the wickets it is all about taking good calls as well.

"Tai Chi is about balancing. It was our first experience. Body balance is important in cricket as well."

Team trainer Gregory Allan King gave top marks for the way the players took to the novel concept.

"The boys enjoyed every bit of the schedule. We had lot of tactical and technical simulations," he said.

"All in all it was new experience for the players. They have all gained a lot from this camp."