More criticises Ganguly's selection, says its a 'step backwards'

New Delhi, Oct 2 (UNI) Lamenting the decision to include Sourav Ganguly in the Indian team for the first two Tests against Australia, former chief selector Kiran More described the former captain's inclusion in the team as a ''step backwards''.

More, who was instrumental along with former India coach Greg Chappell to push Ganguly out of the side, said the new selection committee had no long-term plans.

''I am really surprised (by Ganguly's selection). He was not in the rest of India team for the Irani Cup team nor in Board President's XI. There is no long-term planning. We are going backward but we need to look ahead,'' More told a private news channel today.

Yesterday the new selection committee, headed by K Srikkanth, included Ganguly in the squad, a move which has given the former captain's test career a fresh lease of life.

''This is almost the same team that lost in Sri Lanka.

Something is wrong somewhere,'' More said.

The former Indian wicketkeeper further stressed on the need to give youngsters a chance to play for the country.

''When will the players like Rohit Sharma and Badrinath get to play tests for India? I don't think Badri will get a chance to play in the series with this team,'' he suggested.

Sharma, the talented Mumbai batsman, who was part of the test team during the Sri Lankan tour, was dropped from the squad.

However, More said the new selection panel should be given some more time to settle down.

''I can't blame them much. They are new. This is the first time they have chosen a team. They would need time to settle down,'' he added.

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