Dhoni, Kumble leading the pack

Nov 08: Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s refusal from the Test-captaincy of the Indian team put everybody in a dilemma shattering the hopes of many of his crazy lovers, starting from Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to past cricketers and even the common men of the country, who would love to want and see Tendulkar back as a captain of the team India.

The five wise men, including chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar when meet today evening in Mohali will be in the line of fire, as whom to finalise the new captain for the crucial Test series against Pakistan starting from November 22 and for the Australian tour. Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Anil Kumble are clearly leading the pack with the names of VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly, who are also in the contention.

With Sachin Tendulkar’s turning down the offer and indicating that a youngster should be given the chance of leading the side, Dhoni remains the clear favourite because he is presently doing good job with the one-day team.

The 26-year-old ODI captain has emerged as the top-contender for the job, which has been lying unoccupied for the last seven weeks since Rahul Dravid relinquished from the captaincy.

Kumble might be the dark horse for the post because the veteran leg-spinner has got vast experience in Tests, which is backing him up for sure. The team needs a leader with experience that he has got in plenty in his kitty.

Sourav Ganguly’s bestowment with the tag of India’s best captain ever can put an end to all the speculations related to Test-captaincy but the controversies that have happened with him in the last two years has been a major barrier in his selection.

Laxman, who has been a huge strength in Tests for India could well make the cut, but his recent form and fitness has put a question mark for his place in the final eleven. How come he will be going to get the job?

Ganguly and Laxman maintained to remain silent in this issue saying that they “wouldn’t like to speak on the issue at all,” however, Kumble has come out in the open saying that he would certainly be interested in the job.

The predicament will be there untill the official announcement will be made by the BCCI later in the evening and it would be nice to see that how come former batsman Dilip Vengsarkar, chairman selection committee would see off this bouncer.

It will be also interesting to notice that selectors will also have to choose the team for the remaining three One-dayers against Pakistan and whether Rahul Dravid, who was dropped for the first two matches, would make the cut after he staked his claim by scoring a dazzling double century in the Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai.