Yusuf Pathan's omission surprises Gavaskar by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	YK Pathan, SM Gavaskar
Event:	Australia in India 2009/10

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DateLine: 20th October 2009

 

Sunil Gavaskar is surprised that all-rounder Yusuf Pathan has been dropped from the squad for the first two ODIs against Australia. Gavaskar felt that Pathan should not be judged by how many runs he has scored but the impact he makes with his attacking brand of cricket.

 

"Number six does not get too many overs to score. He should be assessed on his impact. When you try to hit quick fire 20-30, you will get out and it should not be held against you," Gavaskar said.

 

"Otherwise, no one will try to slog at six and seven and will concentrate only on singles and doubles so that they can remain not out with a good 19 or 20," he added.

 

Gavaskar said that Yusuf's selection would have given a better balance to the Indian side.

 

"Not only the captain or coach, but the entire selection committee should think about utility and balance. Change for the sake of change is not good," Gavaskar said.

 

The former Mumbai cricketer felt sympathy for Rahul Dravid, who was also dropped.

 

"I think, Dravid was selected at the first place because Sehwag was unfit. There were also talks of young players not too comfortable against short-balls," Gavaskar said.

 

On the ODI series, Gavaskar said, "Pressure will be on Ricky Ponting. Ever since losing the prestigious Ashes, he has not played a single game in Australia. Hence, if he goes out winning from India, it will take some pressure off from his shoulder against the home-opposition this season.