Virender Sehwag should be used as an opener rather than as a middle-order bat
in the World Cup, feels former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin.
"I have always felt that Sehwag should be used as an opener
along with Sourav Ganguly because he will not be much successful playing
in the middle-order," said Azharuddin at the release of the book titled
"One Day Cricket: The Indian Challenge," penned by Ashis Ray,
on Tuesday.
Azharuddin, who led India in three World Cups, said in the
shorter version of the game it's important to use the team's best batsman at
the top of the order.
Dwelling on the composition of the Indian side for the World
Cup to be held in West Indies from next month, Azharuddin said, "I feel
the side have outstanding players but according to me Mohammad Kaif should have
been in the side because the pitches there are not responsive to the fast bowlers
and we have taken five of them."
He said Irfan Pathan had to learn how to operate on wickets which are not responsive
to fast bowlers.
Azharuddin said India should bank on the bowling skills of
Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar.
"According to me, the balance should be six batsman and five bowlers and
they must utilise all the options using the bowling of Sehwag and Sachin,"
he said.
The former Indian captain said fielding had a key role to play
in the World Cup.
"As far as the overall team is concerned, they have the right combination
but you need to play fit fielders. If you play a fit side, India can go a long
way but I am not sure about the fielding of bowlers Munaf Patel and Irfan,"
he said.
Azharuddin rated the 1985-86 team as the best Indian one-day
side ever.
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