Sachin-Sourav back Ajinkya Rahane's inclusion in semi-final playing XI
The Indian team faces a major selection quandary ahead of the all-important semi-final clash against the West Indies in the ICC T20 World Cup 2016. With Yuvraj Singh out with injury and Manish Pandey being included in the squad as a replacement, there are questions about who the best man to take Yuvraj's place in the final XI is.
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The two primary contenders for the spot are Pandey and Ajinkya Rahane, whereas all-rounder Pawan Negi may be a wild card. However, two icons of Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, have already given their vote to the most experienced of the three - Rahane.
As reported by DNA India, Sachin advocated the Mumbai batsman's inclusion on a TV news channel stating, "I think Rahane should replace Yuvraj. It is his home ground and he has scored lots of runs here. He knows what to expect here and that's an advantage for India."
Asked about whether India would want to bring in left-arm spinner Negi as he could make up for Yuvraj Singh in the bowling department, the Master Blaster was quick to point out, "This pitch will help seamers. The ball will come on to the bat nicely. There is no question about his class as a batsman but I don't think Yuvraj would have played a role with the ball."
Sourav Ganguly, too, pinned his hopes on the 27-year old batsman and pressed for his addition to the playing XI. Speaking on the toss-up between Negi and Rahane, Ganguly said, "It's (Yuvraj injury) a huge blow for India. India will miss his bowling. There is a difference in opinion between Negi and Rahane. It also depends on the pitch."
The former Indian captain made it clear that he is in favour of Ajinkya Rahane playing today by adding, "I don't think Negi should play in place of Yuvraj. It will make the batting weak. Rahane has the experience and the ability to play well in the big matches. He should be batted at No. 4. He may not be a hard-hitting T20 player but will do the job. If Dhoni feels the pitch will turn, he should drop Hardik Pandya and play Negi."
The experts have made their choice and now it is up to MS Dhoni and the Indian team think-tank to decide what's best for them.