World Cup 2007 schedule

It was a decision the selectors were expected to make, despite all odds.

The national selection committee, which met in Mumbai on Monday, decided against making any changes to the Indian squad that played in first two one-day internationals against Sri Lanka, for the 2007 World Cup.

Virender Sehwag, despite his recent poor form, was named in India's 15-man squad for the mega event in the West Indies in March-April.

Yuvraj Singh has played just two ODIs in the last three months since injuring his knee during the Champions Trophy last year, but was still picked.

Irfan Pathan and Ajit Agarkar, who missed the last two matches due to injury, also got the nod.

But the biggest dilemma the selectors faced was the inclusion of Sehwag and the dashing Delhi opener was handed yet another lifeline.

In his last 10 one-dayers, Sehwag has scored just 167 runs and should really consider himself lucky for making the squad ahead of Suresh Raina and Mohammad Kaif.

Captain Rahul Dravid said the onus is now on Sehwag to repay the faith of the selectors with a good showing in the World Cup.

"Sehwag has played in different batting positions in the batting order, which is an advantage. He has the ability to adapt and play in different situations. I think the challenge for him is to be able to go out and produce the performances that he has done in the past for us. I think the onus is on him now. He has been shown faith by the selectors and the ball is in his court now as it is in the court of anyone else, who has been picked in this team to show that the faith [shown by the selectors] is justified and they can perform and play a significant role in this World Cup for India," he said.

India's captain believes that the senior players will need to raise their game in the World Cup, many of whom would be playing for the last time at the mega event.

"I think how we do in the World Cup will really be about how the key players, the 6 or 7 key players, supported by the rest of the group, perform. That's what the focus really should be on and I think that's what the focus will really be on.

"If the 6 or 7 players can have a good tournament, then we will have a very good World Cup," Dravid said.

He also stressed the need for the players to work on their fielding.

"I think we will need to be smart about where we field certain players; we will have to practice those areas; we will have to give specific roles to people and ensure that they practice those areas. We have been working really hard on our fielding. It's just a question of being smart, putting people in the right places, ensuring that they practice rigorously for those positions. I think we can still be a very good fielding side," he said.

"What we lack a little bit in the fielding we will have to make up with individual performances with the bat and ball. People will have to take that extra bit of responsibility to finish games, be there in crunch situations either with the bat or ball. A lot of guys in this group do realise that that will be the last shot at the World Cup and I am hoping that those guys in particular stand up and are counted during these two months," Dravid added.

Chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar said his committee picked the best possible combination, adding that Ramesh Powar, who was in the list ot 30 probables, was unlucky to miss out.

"I must say he is very unlucky, his exclusion is very unfortunate. Whenever he has been picked for India, he has taken wickets," Vengsarkar said.

Dravid also said that Suresh Raina too was unlucky not to make it.

"You select yourselves with your performances. Suresh [Raina], Ramesh [Powar] and a few others will feel unlucky. There are always going to be a few disappointed people. You can either stamp your authority and grab your chances and make sure that no questions are ever asked. But if you are on the borderline then such situations will arise. But I am sure the names that have missed out will do well for India in the future," Dravid said.

The Karnataka batsman said his team would strive to perform well in the Super 8 stages and qualify for the semi-finals.

"I think the key in the World Cup, like everyone has said, is that you play well in the Super 8 stage and try to get into the semi-finals. Once you get into the semi-finals its going to be a different tournament altogether. So, for us really, it is about getting into the Super 8, having a good Super 8 and getting into the semi-finals, from where in we can have a distinct shot at the World Cup," Dravid said.

Squad:

Batsmen: Rahul Dravid (captain), Sachin Tendulkar (vice-captain), Sourav Ganguly, Robin Uthappa, Yuvraj Singh.

All-rounders: Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan.

Wicketkeepers: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik.

Bowlers: Ajit Agarkar, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth, Munaf Patel.

Photograph: Arun Patil