ODIs will decide Test opener - Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly has sought to end the debate about India's opening position by saying that performances in the forthcoming one-dayers would settle the issue. While Yuvraj Singh is the most likely candidate for the slot - he enjoys the confidence of the captain - Virender Sehwag, the other opener, said that he would prefer a more defensive partner.

Ganguly told Press Trust of India that there was plenty of time before the Tests against Australia and South Africa, and that personal opinions would not interfere with team decisions.

"There are still five-six months to go for the team to play a Test match," Ganguly said. "Presently the team will play in the one-dayers. After seeing the form of the players in the one-dayers, we will decide on the second opener's slot. Whatever is best for the team, would be done."

Last season, the Indian team's improved performances were attributed to a consistently solid opening partnership between Sehwag and Aakash Chopra. Sehwag was as attacking as Chopra was defensive, and both helped India deal with the Australians, and then the Pakistanis. But while Sehwag scored runs in great volume and speed, Chopra's long innings for fewer runs were questioned. When Yuvraj scored a hundred at No. 6 in the second Test against Pakistan, Ganguly said that that he was too talented to keep out of the side. His comments stoked an argument about whether a one-day middle-order batsman could replace a Test opener who had performed in high-pressure situations.

Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar recently opined that a defensive opener would be a better option, but also added that they had no problem with Yuvraj opening. Ganguly played down the matter and said that the players were only airing their views. "Sehwag and Tendulkar have made no adverse remark on [the] choice of Yuvraj as second opener. It is merely an opinion of both the players. We will do whatever is best for the team."