The selection process of the Indian team in the past has resembled a Sherlock Holmes mystery, with the audience aware of what is happening but damned if it knew why. Resembled, that is, but for the denouement where Holmes lights his pipe (or picks up his Stradivarius) and starts explaining things patiently to Dr.Watson. Unfortunately, that denouement, which is supposed to be the press conference where the team is announced, sheds as much light on the selection as a candle does on a cricket ground.

In the past few months, however, things have changed, with the selectors being more transparent in their reasoning and explanation of decisions taken; the reasons may not meet everyone's approval, of course; but at least, the explanations were forthcoming. Which is why it is difficult to understand where they are going with this selection. Gambhir has been dropped, apparently because he is not scoring runs and been "given a fair chance". But Sehwag and Kaif have been retained! I am not against this, I think that these guys should be given an extended run just because they have the ability to make up for the lost time. But so does Gambhir, going by what I have seen of him.

Gambhir has, since his return, been at least as consistent as Sehwag if not more. Going by the current form (alone), if Sehwag is retained, it makes sense not to drop Gambhir too. But apparently I am missing something here, for the selectors are done giving Gambhir a chance.

Close to its heels comes the decision to bring in Robin Uthapa ahead of Ganguly. Even if one concedes that Gambhir, not as talented as Sehwag, does not deserve a longer run (which in itself is a contradiction of ideas), where is the logic in the steadfast refusal to bring Ganguly back even though it is clear that the team needs an opener desperately, at least till Tendulkar is fit again? More's comments "we don't want to disturb the winning combination" is a pathetic attempt to conceal what he actually wants, but does not dare, to say.

Looks like we are back to the candlelight times.