Mumbai: November 7, 2007 – Our Cricket future is safe or uncertain; it depends on the Seletion Committee. When it comes to cricket, the entire nation is united but when the question of team selection comes, the Selection Committee normally takes unusual and unexpected decisions.

Dravid was dropped, it hurt millions, and millions kept silent to see the results of the matches to be played without him. Dhoni was taken as Captain, all over appreciations and the people think that he is lucky too.

When Dhoni was appointed captain after Dravid’s unexplained abdication, it was for the T20 World Cup. On the team’s return, he was given a lease for 12 ODI matches as a “trial”. Dhoni did a fair job against Australia and then against Pakistan. (IR Summary).

Sify report:  The selectors, especially their chairman Vengsarkar, should take Dhoni into confidence and tell him that they would support him through thick and thin, and that they have full faith in his leadership ability.

This sort of communication is sadly lacking in Indian cricket. Rather, Vengsarkar has been guilty of dropping hints, making snide remarks and not showing decorum befitting his cricketing stature. The manner in which he kicked out Dravid from the ODI squad reflected the quality of his thought process.

As for Sachin’s rejection of offer after first indicating that he was prepared to take on captaincy, very little new could be said given the fact that he has always been like that, unmindful that his unexplained actions only fuel needless speculation.

Thus, looking ahead, it is best to hand over reigns to Dhoni and judge him over a period of time rather than series by series. One innings does not make you a great player and likewise, one series is no indication of a captain’s ability to lead.

Hopefully, head will rule the heart when the selectors meet on Thursday.