Former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath on Friday described Sourav Ganguly's inclusion in the probables for the ICC Champions Trophy as a "political move".
"His inclusion is a political move and certainly not on cricketing grounds," he said, at a function, orgranised by Ten Sports and the Mumbai Press Club.
The deposed India captain was included in the 30-man list despite a poor performance in England in the county circuit. It has given rise to speculation that his e-mail slamming former Board of Control for Cricket in India president Jagmohan Dalmiya before the Cricket Association of Bengal elections could well be one of the reasons.
Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar also questioned Ganguly's inclusion.
"Well, everybody is talking about Ganguly's runs and records, but nobody is talking about his fielding. You just can't have him for his experience," said Manjrekar.
He said Anil Kumble, Romesh Powar, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and Sourav Ganguly are slow movers on the field and it could prove costly in a one-day match if you have four or five slow-moving fielders.
Srinath believes that Zaheer, who has shown good form for Worcestershire, should have been in the team for the tri-series in Sri Lanka.
"And so must be Anil Kumble, who is so experienced and talented. I always believe that he must play in the one-dayers too."
Ajit Agarkar's exclusion from the Tests in the West Indies after a fantastic performance in the one-dayers had led to a huge outcry from fans and former players.
But Srinath believes that it is sensible to play Agarkar only in the shorter version of the game.
"Agarkar should play in one-dayers only. His body frame is delicate, which suits him for one-dayers. I don't think his body can't take the gruesome effort of Test matches," he said.
"If he plays more Tests matches and bowls a lot, he can get very tired for one-dayers."
Since making his Test debut in 1998, the Mumbai pacer has figured in just 26 Tests. His record of 58 wickets at 47.32 also does not support his claim of featuring in the Test side.
"In ODIs, he can contribute a bit with the bat and field too. He has been tried in Tests matches for some time now, but he hasn't performed as per expectations.
"His energy level is not the best for Tests, so we have to groom him accordingly for the one-dayers," Srinath added.
Srinath, now an ICC match referee, also asked the fans to be patient with left-armer Irfan Pathan, who has struggled with his bowling in the last few months.
"Irfan is just 21, but has a wealth of experience. Everybody has ups and downs in his career. We must be patient with Irfan and give him time," Srinath said.
"There is no doubt that he is talented. He has handled the pressure well so far and his attitude towards the game is great.
"He is a wonderful asset for Indian cricket and must be persisted with for a long time. You just can't afford to drop him," he said.
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