OMGSACHIN: Former Cricketers Slam Dhoni’s Rotation Policy, Say Resting Sachin Tendulkar Makes No Sense

ADELAIDE: The Indian team management stuck to its stated policy of rotating their top three batsmen for the ongoing tri-series. That meant a break for Sachin Tendulkar when India took the field against Australia on Sunday.

It was at the toss that captain MS Dhoni revealed about the 'big drop'. Clearly, it must have been the first instance of Tendulkar being available for selection and yet not being picked in the playing XI. Even Australia chose to rest Michael Hussey, but the big talk at the Oval was all about Tendulkar being left out.

Former India captain Ravi Shastri, doing TV commentary, was furious. "It just doesn't make any sense. If you have got Tendulkar for the tri-series what is the point in rotating him. If you have to rotate players then Gautam Gambhir or Suresh Raina could have been rested. India might win, but if the Indian team doesn't need Tendulkar, why have him here," he told TOI.

Former England captain and commentator Tony Greig tweeted, "The TV rights holders should withdraw their money if teams refuse to put their best eleven out there. Even the paying public has to be taken into account." Greig was also referring to Australia's decision of resting Michael Hussey.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram too was critical of the move. "When you are playing Australia in an important game, you ought to play your best team. This rotation business is no good. If at all you want to rotate, why do it with a chosen set of players. It goes against the best interests of the team," he said.

However, Gautam Gambhir, who opened with Virender Sehwag in Sunday's game in Tendulkar's absence, fervently defended the rotation policy. "The amount of cricket we play, it's important to rotate. When we don't rotate, everyone has a problem. When we rotate, then it's an issue too. Be it Rohit or Raina, they get extra opportunity."

Gambhir added, "To be honest, this was the best eleven too. Most importantly, this eleven has the belief they could beat any opposition in the park. You don't want names. You want people who can deliver."

On the other hand, as expected, the general sentiment among spectators at the Oval was largely of disappointment. "It's disgusting," said an elderly gentleman with a big wave of his hand. A keen cricket follower, Todd Russell said he felt like being taken for a ride.

"I was fortunate to see Sachin in action during the Test match here, but missing him today is again a disappointment. I guess everybody wants to see Sachin in action."

Many local Indians, who had travelled to the Oval from far corners of Adelaide, were upset too. "Many of us have paid quite a sum for the match tickets to get our families here. To not get to see Tendulkar is like a shocker," said Deepak Chahal.