Leaving out Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh was a blunder: Abdul Qadir

NEW DELHI: Pakistan's former leg-spinner Abdul Qadir has said the Indian selectors have "committed a blunder" by ignoring experienced cricketers Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh for the upcoming ODI World Cup.

According to Qadir, 59, the presence of Sehwag and Yuvraj would have given the team liberty to play with four regular bowlers.

"I was surprised to see that but Asian teams have this habit of committing blunders. If you have players like Sehwag and Yuvraj in the team, it not only pressurises the opposition bowlers but also gives the option of playing with four regular bowlers," Qadir told PTI Bhasha.

While Sehwag set the tone for India's triumphal march to the title in the 2011 World Cup with a scintillating century in the tournament opener in Dhaka, Yuvraj was awarded the Man of the Series for his all-round display.

"Yuvraj had bowled brilliantly in the last World Cup where he was also the player of the tournament. I would have also liked to see leg spinners like Amit Mishra and Piyush Chawla in the team since India does not have intimidating pace bowlers," said the former chief selector of PCB.

Qadir feels only one Asian team will make the semifinals of the quadrennial extravaganza.

Grouped in Pool B, India and Pakistan will open their campaign when they lock horns on February 15.

"I think that Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will reach the last four and the last team will be from Asian subcontinent provided England does not give them serious competition," Qadir said.

He said that the much-anticipated match between the arch-rivals will be the most crucial match of the tournament.

"The outcome of India-Pakistan match will decide their future in the tournament. It will boost the morale of the winning team and give an additional edge as well. It will surely be a final before the final," Qadir added.

Qadir refused suggestions that India would have an upper hand over Pakistan considering the past record.

"It will be a new match and new tournament and both the teams have equal chance. Chasing will be an advantage at Adelaide and whoever wins the toss will enjoy that advantage," he said.

Talking about the Indian team, he said it will be tired after the long Australia tour.

"Australia tour was beneficial as far as conditioning is concerned as they have got a chance to play at almost all the venues but Australia tour is always tiresome. Indian players will be tired and they are also away from home for so long. They must be missing home," Qadir said.

"They should have been sent back home for a short break after the tri-series so that they can start afresh."

Former Pakistan cricketers like Inzamam Ul Haq and Shoaib Akhtar might believe that having Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the leader is a big factor for the Indian team, but Qadir feels the captain is as good as the team.

"There is no doubt that Dhoni is one of the best captains today but he cannot defend the title alone. The other 10 players also have to give their best. I was watching a match in the tri-series and was disappointed to see the way Kohli and Raina got out. Match winners like them should perform better," he said.