Even 24 hours before the ODI squad was announced on Saturday, Dravid's name was not doing the rounds among the All-India Selection Committee members
Even 24 hours before the ODI squad was announced on Saturday, Dravid's name was not doing the rounds among the All-India Selection Committee members. There was only one debate among selectors: to find a replacement for the injured Yuvraj Singh.
Yuvi's replacements
There were three or four candidates to replace Yuvraj -- Mumbai batsman Ajinkya Rahane had emerged a strong contender, and Yusuf Pathan was another name discussed. However, Dravid was never in
contention.
In fact, most selectors had forgotten that Dravid was still 'available' to play for India in limited-overs cricket as he had not yet retired from the format. Dravid's fitness was never a concern as he has kept wickets, opened the batting, and lasted 866 minutes at the crease in the two Tests thus far.
It was just a case of whether or not coach Duncan Fletcher and skiper Mahandra Singh Dhoni would be on board with the selectors. So, what exactly transpired on Saturday morning? How did the selectors suddenly think of Dravid?
Mutual decision
"It all happened so suddenly. We put our points (on why we thought Dravid should be included) across to Fletcher and the team management during the meeting and they could not say no. It was a mutual and unanimous selection," said a selector.
It also seemed to be a way of rewarding Dravid for everything he has done for the team on this tour.u00a0
"It was very difficult not to suggest Dravid's name after all that he has done on this tour of UK. We think the right decision has been made," added the selector.
Stablity factor
The selectors felt Dravid's presence in the one-day camp was important if India is to avoid another debacle on the UK tour (after the poor Test start). If the world champions were to lose priceless wickets at the start, Dravid, who has 10, 756 runs from 339 matches, has the ability to hold the innings together, and rotate the strike with precision. It is learnt that the other seniors in the one-day side were also unanimous in their agreement of Dravid's inclusion.
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