Virender Sehwag

Calcutta: Virender Sehwag’s stinging attack on captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, on Tuesday, has in all probability helped him keep his place in the XI which faces Australia, at the SCG, on Sunday.

Had circumstances been different, Sehwag, who is averaging a dismal 10.00 in the tri-series, would almost surely have been dropped. However, if Dhoni takes that step now, there’s an excellent chance of a fresh controversy. As such, most expect the vice-captain to remain in the XI.

Purely by default.

Sehwag had been ‘rested’ in the very first match and, by all accounts, hadn’t taken too kindly to being made to sit in the dressing room.

According to The Telegraph’s sources, Dhoni and coach Duncan Fletcher have been actively considering playing an extra batsman in a match which must be won if massive complications are to be avoided.

From topping the table, India are now at the bottom, already facing heavy odds.

If the selection cookie crumbles that way, then Rohit Sharma looks set to be back in the XI. Strangely, Manoj Tiwary still isn’t being thought of.

Tiwary wasn’t in the frame till late on Saturday, that is.

Dhoni and Fletcher were criticised when Rohit didn’t get a look-in during the recent Test series, but he’s done absolutely nothing in the tournament, averaging 15.80.

Should the extra batsman be fielded, then the attack will comprise Irfan Pathan, Praveen Kumar, Umesh Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja. In that scenario, Suresh Raina would be the fifth bowler.

If a specialist spinner (Jadeja is more of an all-rounder) is played, then Rahul Sharma stands a good chance of making his second appearance in the tri-series.

The leggie, who has the potential to make it big, has recovered from a split webbing on his right hand.

Zaheer Khan and Ranganath Vinay Kumar are injured. Officially, though, the latter hasn’t been ruled out.