End of the road for big five of Indian cricket?

Dubai: Is it end of the road for the big five of Indian cricket who were part of the 2011 World Cup winning squad?

The Indian selection committee that named the 30-member preliminary squad for the 2015 World Cup, omitted the 2011 World Cup stars - Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh.

Yuvraj, who was the star performer in India’s triumph in ICC the Twenty20 World Cup in 2007 and the ICC World Cup in 2011, has been consistent in domestic cricket though his last One Day International appearance was against South Africa in December 2013.

India’s top order batsman Gambhir, who was the top-scorer in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka with a knock of 97, has not been at his best. He had played his last One-day match in January 2013 and even in domestic matches, except for a knock of 93 for Delhi, hasn’t hit another half century.

Sehwag, though hailed as the world’s finest demolisher of bowling attacks, too has lost his rhythm. Except for a knock of 80 against Haryana for Delhi, he too has not played any exceptional knock. His last One-dayer was way back in January 2013 against Pakistan.

Harbhajan, despite being among the most experienced of spinners, has not been considered, having last played in a one-day match against the West Indies way back in 2011. Though he was included in the Test team against Australia at Hyderabad in 2013, he too has not been impressive in domestic cricket.

Khan though is India’s finest left-arm pacer and has been a guide to many of the newcomers. However, he is no more the lethal pacer he used to be. Though he has survived many frustrating injuries after playing his last One Day International in August 2012, he also did not perform well in the 2014 Indian Premier League. He could muster only five wickets from six matches.

Except for Sachin Tendulkar, who has retired, and Sreesanth, who has been banned for life following the IPL match-fixing scandal, all other members of the 2011 winning squad were available for selection.

It is very clear that the selectors have opted for players of the new generation, especially the youngsters who are in form, rather than place their faith in performers of the past and hope for them to deliver.

Shewag, who had played in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 editions had recently remarked: “I hope that my name appears in the 30-member strong probables list. Every cricketer wants to play in the World Cup for his country. I also still dream and hope that I play in this World Cup.”

Incidentally, all five would have understood that they may not be considered soon after India had named the squad for the ongoing Australian tour. Many feel that Yuvraj and Sehwag should have been given a last chance as Yuvraj is useful as a bowler as well. Sehwag is also one who can win matches on his own if he gets going.