Sehwag has been in dismal form as of late
Former India batsman Rahul Dravid has announced that the national selectors must come to a final decision on whether they want Virender Sehwag opening the batting in Test matches by the start of the South Africa tour at the end of the year.
If the selectors decide not to let Sehwag continue opening, Dravid believes they have to find a permanent replacement and give him time to get accustomed to the high standards of international cricket.
Sehwag was dropped from the India Test squad during the four-Test series against Australia after the explosive opener only managed to amass 27 runs in three innings.
“I think the selectors and management need to decide whether they are going to open with Viru (Virender) in South Africa,” Dravid told ESPNcricinfo. “I mean Viru playing well, Viru at his best, is a great asset to any side, but the reality is that he hasn’t been performing particularly well, and he hasn’t really done well on overseas trips over the last two or three years. If they feel confident about opening with Sehwag in South Africa, then I think it makes sense to continue with Sehwag and give him the opportunity to get that confidence.”
Dravid also noted that the selectors should consider moving Sehwag down the order so that the ball will not be as new and swinging all over the place, which seems to lead to his downfall on most occasions.
“If they are going to look ahead, I think there could be a realistic possibility of Sehwag coming into the middle order,” Dravid said. “You know if opportunities open up at some stage, maybe Sachin is going to move on, then I think Viru is the man with the experience to be able to come in and bat in the middle order. He has said in the past that he would like to, and that could be an option.
“If that is the route India is going to take then I think it makes sense to try out another youngster, or try out another opener, and give him the opportunity to play at least a couple of Test matches in more familiar conditions, before going to South Africa. I think it will be unfair on any young opener to be asked to go to South Africa straightaway, and play against the likes of Steyn, Philander and Morkel.”