Perth Pangs And After

G. Rajaraman February 04, 2008 00:00 IST Perth Pangs And After -0001-11-30T00:00:00+05:53

The BCCI has a way of delivering up drama with the regularity of pratfalls in a farce. But to a cricket-obsessed nation, its sense of timing, so prized in batsmen, remains ungainly. The announcement of the ODI squad served to sour the dinner Anil Kumble hosted to celebrate the Perth victory. The reason: two former captains, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, did not find berths in the team. And Ganguly appeared visibly upset at being overlooked.

Before long, there were reports of a schism in Team India between seniors and juniors. Ganguly sought to scotch such doubts saying he wasn't looking beyond Adelaide. "It's an important match and I've got to stay focused," he said. "I'll think of the future once it gets over." Though not in the sprightliest of moods, he was acutely aware he would be judged by his performance in probably his farewell Test in Australia.

ODI skipper Dhoni was cast in the unusual role of villain, largely because chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar told some close friends that the team wasn't his choice—as if...