So long, and thanks for the runs

If they didn't know it then, they know it now. Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, with 21,948 one-day runs between them, can pack away the blue kit and concentrate on the whites. Their days in India's one-day team are over, with both left out of the preliminary 30-man squad for the Champions Trophy in September.

Ganguly hasn't played since Pakistan toured India late last year, while Dravid was ostensibly rested after the series that preceded Pakistan, when Australia came to India and won 4-2. Neither man got the farewell that he deserved, but those that beat their chests and wail about it would do well to remember that Steve Waugh didn't either. And he won two World Cups.

Comments

[Gargesh]

I have no idea why the selectors r so rude towards Dada. He has been proving again and again that age is no bar to performance and still they continue to neglect him.He scored 2 match winning 80+ during the IPL that too unleashing all the 'Gangulish' shots.Also he has rediscovered his bowling that will be vital in the short format.Currently India is struggling with their 5th bowler.Well, Mr. Dhoni plz dont forget that it is only because of Dada that u r still in the team.

[Charlie Tinsley]

Perhaps I misread the intention of the final sentence but there was plenty of chest beating and wailing (especially wailing) when Steve Waugh retired. Not least from the sentimental old baggy green clutching oaf himself.

[Som]

Thanks not only for the runs -- a hell lot of them too -- but also for providing the fun, thrill, joys and drama as well.

Of course form was not the issue with Ganguly, who hardly has put a foot wrong since that fairytale comeback. The selectors have devised a new ODI scheme of things which makes the seniors simply redundant. And make no mistake, Tendulkar is in a league of his own. He's the Peter Pan of Indian cricket, who never grows up.

I guess the selectors and the youngsters have equal responsibility to ensure that the vacuum created by the exit of the illustrious seniors are filled in by worthy successors. The tri-series triumph in Australia will remain a highlight but it should not be allowed to gloss over the fact that the youngsters simply have no clue how to play spin. It was shocking to see Yuvraj, Raina, Uthappa and Rohit Sharma -- supposed the backbone of future Team India -- simply capitulating. In contrast, the likes of Ganguly and Dravid made it look like as if they could play the spinners blindfolded. The youngsters surely have a lot of grey areas to address immediately to.

[Y Guru]

Dileep,

You seem to forget one thing. With indian selectorial decisions one never knows is there is a method or sheer madness ?