Xtra Time Web Desk: Former national selector Raja Venkat dropped a bombshell, saying Rohit Sharma was not picked for 2011 World Cup squad as the then captain MS Dhoni wanted leg-spinner Piyush Chawla in the side. According to Venkat, all the selectors along with the chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth was unanimous in keeping Rohit in the side. But they had to give in to the request of MS Dhoni who wanted Piyush. It was very disappointing for Rohit who was a regular in ODI format leading up to the World Cup.
“When we sat to select the team, Rohit was very much in the scheme of things. Yashpal Sharma and I were in South Africa at that time because India was touring South Africa and the other three selectors Srikkanth, Bhave and Hirwani were in Chennai. So, when we’re selecting the team 1-14 every name was accepted by the panel. No 15 we suggested the name of Rohit Sharma. Gary Kirsten also felt it was a perfect selection. But the captain wanted Piyush Chawla. So immediately Gary Kirsten summersaulted. He said I think that’s a better choice. So, that is how Rohit Sharma got left out,” said Raja Venkat in an interview to RevSportz.
On being asked whether he or the other selectors spoke to Rohit later, he said in negative. Krishnamachari Srikkanth led selection panel is best remembered because India under MS Dhoni went on to win the World Cup. According to Raja it was a good balanced side suited for Indian conditions and that was key.
“See, basically if you look at it, the team was well set. We had planned to select a set team two years before the World Cup. We looked at a long term and that’s the reason we tasted success. We had a set team and had some experienced players. Yuvraj was in tremendous form, Sachin was in the side too. We had pacers like Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra. Ashwin and Harbhajan were seasoned campaigners. All in all, we had a good balanced side suited for Indian conditions and that was key,” said Raja.
Finally, on being asked how much did the selectors consult Dhoni and Kirsten before picking the team, Raja said, “See like I mentioned to you, initially we had selected the fifteen which we all felt was the right one. Unfortunately, we had to make one change and we had to give it to the captain and the coach.”