NEW DELHI: Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar has given fodder to his critics by suggesting that team selection should not be made just on the basis of scorebooks.
Selection is not about scorebooks: Sachin
During a media interaction at KSCA’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, Tendulkar suggested that selectors should focus on the players’ ability to handle pressure instead of only considering their statistics while picking the national team.
“Selection is not about looking at the scorebook. A selector can pick up players who have scored heavily but that does not work out. I have seen players who are exceptionally good at the domestic level not being able to perform as well in international cricket,” Tendulkar said.
“When it comes to selection, one has to analyze a player. Even if he fails in a few matches, one needs to see if he has the ability to withstand pressure and execute at the international level,” he added.
The timing of the suggestion is not favorable for the ageing cricketer who has been struggling on the international arena, despite having a career record that any budding cricketer would dream of.
The man, who has scored most runs and centuries in the history of the game, is today in the line of fire. He has been a pale shadow of himself over the last couple of seasons both at home and away. Moreover, his style of dismissal in recent tournaments has raised serious doubts over his batting technique and also on his 40-year-old reflexes.
Tendulkar’s inability to score runs and vulnerability against the weakest opponents, even in the sub-continent, has turned his fans into strong critics. He has scored just three half-centuries in last 23 innings. His last Test ton came way back in 2011 in South Africa. His Test average in last ten matches is below 25.
In the wake of such dismal performances, the suggestion made by him might backfire and raise question mark on his own presence in the national squad.
