Indians rubbish retirement plans

Speculations have been rife about the retirements of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman during the Test series against Australia, which India lost 4-0.

However, the Indian team management said on Saturday that none of the senior members was retiring as of now.

“The team takes note of the stories in the media suggesting the imminent retirement of a member of the Indian team (Dravid).

“We would like to clarify the situation by stating categorically that these are not correct and are baseless,” said GS Walia, the India team spokesperson.

The written statement didn’t mention any player’s name.

“No players from the Indian team will be retiring. It is a rumour. Baseless. Incorrect,” Walia said.

Stand-in Indian skipper Virender Sehwag offered further clarification. “I clarify that there is no need for retirement from anybody in this team. They will take their call when they need it, and when they think that their time is up,” Sehwag said.

When asked about the need to phase out seniors, Sehwag said, “That's the team management and selectors who will decide," he said. "It is not me or anyone else who will decide. If they think we need something to change, they will do that. If they think we should carry on with the same, and just wait for other players to perform, and if you perform, they will take the call,” he said.

The embattled Indian seniors also found some support from Australian captain Michael Clarke. "I have the utmost respect for every single one of their players, they have achieved a lot of as a team and achieved a hell of a lot as individual players, I hope they continue to have success in Test cricket and their senior players can play a big part in that.

“Now, we're saying he's (Ricky Ponting) batting as good as he's ever batted. When you're not performing, you need to hang in there. I'm confident they can turn it around,” he said.

Dhoni hoped the team would put up a better performance in the ODIs.

"We have the ODI series coming up and there will be a completely different side. It (the tour) is a learning experience for the youngsters. Once you play 100-odd ODIs, it is always good to have that experience when you make your Test debut," he said.