To Dravid ‘n Sachin-This is not cricket!

The ex-captain?s decision, no doubt, came as a bolt from the blue not only to cricket pundits, commentators, former players but also to his family. As far as being under immense media scrutiny, this has always been the case with the Team India captain. It?s known to all and sundry. A charge that selectors used to bulldozed Dravid every time also doesn?t hold water.

After India?s early exit from the World Cup and so many people gunning for his head, selectors still kept their faith and confidence in his abilities as a leader. He has left Indian cricket in a lurch without even giving a notice prior to his decision to quit captaincy.

May be, he just wanted to prove a point by winning a series in England and going on a high. But it reflects poorly on Rahul as a team man. With the toughest series (Australia and Pakistan) lined-up in the next six months, Dravid should have been there to face the challenge instead of giving it up and putting immense burden on the young shoulders of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. This simply is not cricket, Mr Wall!

After pondering over for more than 48 hrs, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar too declined the offer to captain Team India. All that was required was a ?Yes? from Sachin, but that was not to come.

Sachin has made his mark as a batsman the world over. He is, no doubt, the best batsman of the world.

Here was a chance to prove his credentials as a leader and stamp his authority as captain in the twilight of his career. But Sachin has let that opportunity go with his refusal.

Certainly, not cricket from the champion batsman this time!

Now, it?s left all on the young shoulders of MSD to take the challenges head-on. He?s, no doubt, game for it. Now, it?s a big responsibility on the ?Big 3? (Rahul-Sachin-Ganguly) to help Dhoni in taking the Indian cricket to fame and glory.

(The view expressed here are of the writer and not expressindia.com)