Predictable Route

The national selectors gambled on an out-of-form batsman Virender Sehwag andall-rounder Irfan Pathan by including them in India's 15-member World Cup squadwhich contains no surprises from the team that has performed with mixed resultsfor the past one year.

Both Sehwag and Pathan have been woefully out of touch for a long time butstill managed to get the nod based on their past record and match-winningabilities.

The Delhi opener's inclusion in the squad, announced BCCI secretary NiranjanShah, was on the cards after captain Rahul Dravid had made it clear that"past record" would be taken into account while finalising the squadfor the mega event to be held in the West Indies in March-April.

"Sehwag has played in different positions and has the ability to play indifferent conditions, it's a challenge for him. The onus is on him after beinggiven a chance by the selectors," said Dravid who along with coach GregChappell attended the selection meeting in Mumbai.

"Sehwag has got to perform. It's not that I am supporting him, it's justabout getting the right combination for the World Cup.

"It's not a personal issue, it's about whether one can perform in thegiven conditions."

The squad, which has Sachin Tendulkar as vice-captain, contains twospecialist spinners and five seamers. The team has two wicketkeepers, withDinesh Kaarthick also finding a berth on the basis of his batting form.

Expressing satisfaction about the composition of the team, Dravid said thatthe senior players have to "stand up and be counted" for India to besuccessful at the mega event.

"It is about form and performances, how well we perform at the WorldCup. The focus would be there," he said.

"At the end of the day it is important how well you play in the WorldCup. If six to seven players have a good tournament then we will have a goodWorld Cup.

"Many guys in the team realise that it is their last shot at the WorldCup. These players in particular would be keen to stand up and be counted."

Dravid, who will feature in his third World Cup, said the team had a fineblend of youth and experience, and the tour to the West Indies last year shouldbe of help.

"We must look at different combinations heading into the World Cup. I amsatisfied with the balance of the team and confident about the group," hesaid.

"We have played lot of cricket and experience of having played in WestIndies would be good to us.

"We are quite confident of doing well in the World Cup, play well in theSuper Eight stage and make the semis. From there on we can have a shot at thetitle."

Vengsarkar, who had earlier said of Sehwag being used in the middle-order,did not rule out the possibility of him batting as an opener if the opportunityprovides.

The former India captain said that it was unfortunate for off-spinner RameshPowar not to find a place while Anil Kumble has done reasonably well and was anexperienced bowler.

Munaf Patel, who did not play in the series against the West Indies whichIndia won 3-1 due to an ankle injury, impressed in his comeback against SriLanka in the opening two one-dayers and deservingly found a place in the touringparty.

Shah said left-arm pacer Rudra Pratap Singh and middle-order batsman SureshRaina have been included "as cover" for Pathan and Yuvraj for theremaining two matches against Sri Lanka.

On the selection of Pathan, the Baroda bowler who was sent home midwaythrough the tour of South Africa to sort out his bowling, Vengsarkar said,"he was injured in the past, he has done well and he is fit now".

On Raina's exclusion, Dravid said, "At the end of the day, a lot ofplayers select themselves on how you have performed. Not only Raina but alsoothers will feel unlucky to miss out in the 15 but at the end of the day fewwill have disappointments."

Six players -- Robin Uthappa, Kaarthick, Dhoni, Sreesanth, Pathan and Patel-- will be playing in their first World Cup.

India are drawn with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bermuda in Group B of thepreliminary league. The top two teams will move to the second round, SuperEight.

The team will assemble in Mumbai on February 26 before leaving late night onFebruary 28.

Squad: Rahul Dravid (capt), Sachin Tendulkar (vice-capt), SouravGanguly, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Robin Uthappa, Ajit Agarkar, ZaheerKhan, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Dinesh Kaarthick, Irfan Pathan, Munaf Patel,Virender Sehwag and S Sreesanth.

PTI