Rising

Former India captains Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and Bishan Singh Bedi have criticised current one-day skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his comments on team selection.

Dhoni admitted in an interview he had told selectors his picks for the Commonwealth Bank Series in Australia with the intention of "sending a message" to certain players.

The selectors heeded his recommendations by selecting a young squad and omitting senior players such as Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman.

The decision was vindicated after India won the CB Series, but Dhoni's comments have not been well received in some quarters.

Pataudi, who captained India in 46 Tests, told newspaper Mid-Day: "He is giving leeway to people who are a bit young. It is not necessary to say such things, especially in public.

"He should understand that other responsibilities come with the captaincy. He has to choose his words carefully."

Bedi, a former left-arm spinner, concurred with Pataudi, saying: "It is immature to make such a statement. Any statement that disturbs the dressing room atmosphere should be avoided.

"Anything that leads to suspicious frowns in the dressing room is avoidable. I don't know what he is trying to prove by saying this.

"That is why the board's role is very important in such situations. Board officials must ensure nobody makes such irresponsible comments. But I will give him the benefit of the doubt because of his immaturity."

India have recalled Dravid, Ganguly and Laxman for the upcoming Test series against South Africa starting on March 26 in Chennai.

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