Kaif ? Yuvraj ? Yuvraj ? Kaif ?

At the time of the Australia series last October, I had vehemently backed Yuvraj Singh over Mohammad Kaif in the Test team. Depite the so-called "poor" performances of Yuvraj I had maintained that class was permanent and in the Test arena a class player like Yuvraj was always the better long-term option. However Kaif got the nod then and grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He played a crucial innings in Chennai and provided lone resistance in the You-Know-Which game.

So one would expect that these performances would be rewarded with continued selection in the squad. Not so when the Indian selectors are in charge. They have duly picked Yuvraj over Kaif this time as if a place in the Test squad is some sort of goodie to be shared around. For God's sake - show some consistency people ! Dropping Yuvraj then was wrong given his good performances against Pakistan last year. And picking him now in place of Kaif is again wrong after Kaif's performances against Australia. Almost certainly (and I would hope so) both Kaif and Yuvraj will form the ballast of the Indian middle-order in a few years' time. Until then it is necessary to stick with one and show consistency with that decision.

Have they suddenly remembered Yuvraj's good performances in Pakistan last year ? Or have they been impressed by his superb run in domestic cricket this season ? Or have they finally realised that class is permanent ? Or have they succumbed to Ganguly's insistence ? One will never know.

Finally, taking a look at the possible playing X1 for the Mohali Test - I think the top 10 pick themselves - the only point of discussion would be whether to play a 3+1 attack or a 2+2 one ?? If it is a 3+1 attack Nehra should be the third seamer given his recent performances. If it is a 2+2, obviously Harbhajan would play. Much depends on the surface and the day - but unless there is something drastic I would go with 2+2 in keeping with the spirit of playing the 4 best bowlers.