The Indian camp confirmed opener Virender Sehwag would take over the captaincy from suspended MS Dhoni for the Adelaide Test which starts on January 24. Dhoni, who has been widely criticised for both his tactics and leadership, was suspended for one match for overseeing slow over-rates. It will be the fourth time Sehwag, Dhoni’s deputy, leads India in a Test.
Australia have already won the series after emphatic victories in the first three matches, and the last Test is a chance for India to redeem themselves.
Gambhir was confident Sehwag would do a good job but conceded that would not count for much if the rest of the team continued to perform badly.
“Ultimately, I’ve always believed that a captain is only as good as his team,” said Gambhir. “Captains don’t make a difference. It’s the 11 players on the field. Dhoni has done a great job but it’s the entire team that hasn’t performed and the players need to take the blame.
“It’s not just about Sehwag and what difference he can bring to the team.”
After another session in the nets, Indian officials confirmed the Test squad would have three days’ rest before holding their first training session in Adelaide on Saturday.
Gambhir added that the team had let their country down with their lacklustre performances.
“We haven’t played well, I’d be the first one to say that. We’ve let the nation down.”
‘Laxman criticism unnecessary’
Gambhir also expressed anger at criticism of veteran batsman VVS Laxman, who is rumoured to be on the verge of retirement after a string of unimpressive performances in the series.
“Why criticise one person, all of the top six or seven should be criticised equally. Why look at only Laxman, he’s been a legend. Nobody should decide on his retirement. Only he should.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2012.
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