Ahmedabad/Vadodara: The question, at the customary pre-match Media conference, was pretty straightforward: Has the core group within Team India been identified? It was implied that the query pertained to ODIs.

Coach Greg Chappell’s answer was direct as well: “We’ve got 15 players here (Vadodara) and one or two on the fringe of the squad who’re pushing the guys...”

Former captain Sourav Ganguly isn’t a fringe player, nor for that matter quick Zaheer Khan. Chappell, therefore, confirmed they don’t figure in his scheme plotted for the 2007 World Cup.

In fact, in response to another question, the coach said much the same thing: “I’m very comfortable with this group, but am always keen that we improve... It’s a healthy sign if there’s a problem of whom to leave out rather than whom to pick.”

Captain Rahul Dravid feels much the same way. He reinforced that by saying: “I’ve never played in a (one-day) series which has been won so convincingly... It has been a complete team effort and I’ve been privileged to captain such a squad...”

As reported by The Telegraph, Sourav’s best chance for a quick comeback had been when the selectors met in Mohali after the second match. However, both Dravid and Chappell favoured sticking to the same 15 and their wish was granted by Kiran More and Co.

It’s a ‘tradition’ that the selectors don’t question anything asked for by a winning captain and coach. With one ODI remaining, the series scoreline reads 5-1 in India’s favour.