Arjun
Cricketer Of The Year
On the episode of Dial C for Cricket discussing the Indian Test selection, there was a heavy debate about Murali Kartik's exclusion, especially when young Pragyan Ojha was selected ahead of him. Senior coach Vasu Paranjpe said that it's 'inexcusable, thoughtless and foolish' (more or less, he was vehemently opposing that move) and believed that Murali Kartik should have played, no two ways about it. Saba Karim, however, said that the current combination is working, so there's no need to tamper with it.
But then, Kartik was only third in line after Kumble and Harbhajan. Now, with Kumble gone, he should have made the team, according to experts. However, he hasn't been the most successful of spinners, and a younger spinner seems a better bet. Moreover, if Kartik wouldn't be in the XI for two matches, there was no point keeping him in the squad. A youngster would learn a lot from dressing-room appearance.
Things looked like getting out of hand when Murali Kartik himself was on the phone on that show. He said that he's only trying hard to make the team and take wickets wherever he plays. This time, however, he spoke out against his omission, wondering why he was left out even now. He believed that age (he is over 30) shouldn't be a barrier to selection, and he can do a lot better now. From the studio, Vasu said he strongly believed that India should play their best spinners, while Karim, not too supportive, politely tried to convince Kartik about the selection and encouraged him to do better.
So how does it stack up? Kartik is a lot more accomplished, and has more variety and tricks than Ojha, and can also score a few chunks lower down the order. Ojha has age on his side, and he's got a decent economy and can field well. Kartik has a better strike rate, which should count with four bowlers in the XI. Neither are automatic selections at this stage, but to choose one, Kartik seems a valid option in Tests as of now, but not much should be expected of him.
But then, Kartik was only third in line after Kumble and Harbhajan. Now, with Kumble gone, he should have made the team, according to experts. However, he hasn't been the most successful of spinners, and a younger spinner seems a better bet. Moreover, if Kartik wouldn't be in the XI for two matches, there was no point keeping him in the squad. A youngster would learn a lot from dressing-room appearance.
Things looked like getting out of hand when Murali Kartik himself was on the phone on that show. He said that he's only trying hard to make the team and take wickets wherever he plays. This time, however, he spoke out against his omission, wondering why he was left out even now. He believed that age (he is over 30) shouldn't be a barrier to selection, and he can do a lot better now. From the studio, Vasu said he strongly believed that India should play their best spinners, while Karim, not too supportive, politely tried to convince Kartik about the selection and encouraged him to do better.
So how does it stack up? Kartik is a lot more accomplished, and has more variety and tricks than Ojha, and can also score a few chunks lower down the order. Ojha has age on his side, and he's got a decent economy and can field well. Kartik has a better strike rate, which should count with four bowlers in the XI. Neither are automatic selections at this stage, but to choose one, Kartik seems a valid option in Tests as of now, but not much should be expected of him.
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