Issues aplenty as Team India is picked

An exasperated Kirmani, when swarmed upon by mediapersons after the meeting, said that he was not supposed to speak to the media, but did add: ‘‘The problems arising out of my statement have been amicably settled’’.

Other than the five selectors, Dalmiya and Nair, Ganguly and coach John Wright were also present in the meeting. Talking to mediapersons after the completion of the meeting, Nair said that Zaheer had been dropped on fitness grounds. ‘‘According to the report of physio Andrew Leipus, we decided to rest Zaheer. He needs more time to get match fit,’’ remarked Nair.

The Zaheer fitness controversy remains unreolved of course, with no answers forthcoming as to how Zaheer became unfit immediately after the final of the Asia Cup and Leipus declaring the paceman fit as recently as on Wednesday.

About the selection of Gavaskar, Nair said that it was a toss-up between him and Hemang Badani, but Badani was carrying an ankle injury. ‘‘It would have been wrong to send a player not fully fit,’’ said Nair.

Dinesh Mongia’s name was also discussed. Mongia according to a couple of selectors had a miserable World Cup whereas Gavaskar had done well in the limited opportunities that he had.

Kaarthick’s selection was also not unanimous, as the name of Bihar’s M S Dhoni figured prominently as a replacement for Patel. However, as a selector said later: ‘‘How can we ignore a keeper who has also scored centuries in the semi-final and final of the Ranji Trophy?’’

There was also a question mark raised about Mohammed Kaif’s utility in the team, but it was finally decided that he would be given ‘‘one last opportunity’’.

It was decided that if Kaarthick comes off as a batsman, Dravid will be relieved of his keeping responsibilities.