Calcutta: Bishan Singh Bedi, India’s captain during the first Revival Series (1978-79, in Pakistan), picked his dream Indo-Pak XI for the benefit of The Telegraph’s readers. The selection was limited to those who played from the late 1960s, the time Bedi got picked for India.
Here goes:
On the criterion in selecting his XI
I’ve picked solid players... Batsmen with that character and authority-stamping bowlers... I haven’t, for example, selected a wristy artiste like Gundappa Viswanath... Then, I’ve wholly been guided by the players’ value to the team... The ones picked do bring something very special to the table.
On his XI (in batting order)
SUNIL GAVASKAR: There hasn’t been a better batsman to drop anchor and compile runs... In my book, the best.
SAEED ANWAR: Given his attacking style, he would complement Gavaskar well... Plus, his selection makes it a left-right combination. That helps.
JAVED MIANDAD: I have him at No.3 largely to give him more time to get under the opposition’s skin! I’ve always rated him very highly.
SACHIN TENDULKAR: Just can’t think of anybody else in that position... Do I actually need to justify picking him?
RAHUL DRAVID: Given his reputation and record, Rahul has to make the XI. But, as I’ve explained, not at No.3.
INZAMAM-UL HAQ: An attacking batsman who could be counted upon in a crisis.
WASIM BARI: He’s the best ’keeper I’ve seen... In fact, even Alan Knott would concede that Bari was better behind the stumps. Bari could bat, but that hasn’t been a consideration. I’ve selected the best ’keeper. He rarely dived, rather he would reach the ball. And, so cleanly.
IMRAN KHAN: Few people know just how hard he worked at his bowling... He walks into my team.
WASIM AKRAM: He had such natural ability and could do anything with the ball.
WAQAR YOUNIS: Like Akram, could bowl in all conditions ... His record speaks for itself... Another hard worker.
ANIL KUMBLE: Is remarkably consistent... I love his never-say-die attitude and I’ve never seen him with shoulders drooping... Whatever the circumstances, his body language remains good. That he hasn’t been a big turner and hasn’t been an athlete has made no difference to me.
On his captain
Oh, Imran... A born leader... He made such an impact as captain... If somebody dropped a catch, people wouldn’t look at the poor fielder but at Imran, to see how he reacted... He was that kind of a leader... Imran had that aura.
On having had to ignore a Kapil Dev
(After a pause) I’m feeling bad... But, then, the three new-ball bowlers I’ve picked were all better in their trade... I’ve selected the best for every position and, sadly, Kapil couldn’t be there... He would be my 12th man, though... Nobody in India or Pakistan has been a better all-round fielder.
On his reserves
Viswanath, Erapalli Prasanna and Jawagal Srinath... Abdul Qadir and Sarfraz Nawaz have been unlucky to miss out.
On whether his XI could beat Clive Lloyd’s awesome team of the late Seventies and early Eighties
I think so... Both that West Indies side and Ricky Ponting’s Australians... It’s for your readers to judge, but I’ve picked a team which could well be called invincible... I would pay to watch them...
Finally, on his choice for coach
(Laughs) Greg Chappell! Seriously, the XI I’ve selected wouldn’t need a coach. No cricket manager either.