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March 6, 2008
Decision to Choose Youngsters
Stands Vindicated: Pawar

New Delhi
Indian cricket board president Sharad Pawar Thursday said the decision to choose youngsters for the one-day series stands vindicated, seeing the way India pummelled Australia in the Commonwealth Bank series.

Led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India won two of the best-of-three finals straight, clinching their first-ever tri-series victory over the world champions.

"It is a happy occasion for all of us. To beat Australia in Australia is unusual. But Dhoni's team showed us that can happen. Thus the board's preference for youngsters stands justified today," Pawar said.

"That their presence has added strength to the team is there for everyone to see," Pawar said at the function held to felicitate the Indian team at the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium here.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India was severely criticized for dropping in-form former captains Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid to make way for the youngsters in the side and captain Dhoni was under pressure to prove that his decision was right.

The board president, however, was quick to urge the cheering cricket fans at the stadium to support the team even when things go wrong on the field.

"Cricket at the end of the day is just a game. We are humbled by the warm welcome but I would like to say that even in defeat we should encourage our team," said Pawar.

March 6, 2008

IANS | Top