Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi spoke exclusively to espnstar.com’s Chandraboli Mitra on Rahul Dravid’s inclusion in the ODI squad.

Q. Do you think selectors took a right decision by including Rahul Dravid in the ODI squad?

A. It is a very good decision. He still has a lot to offer to Indian cricket. Indian cricket can only benefit from his vast experience. In fact, he is a much more skillful player than a lot of youngsters in the side. I don't want to name those youngsters but some of them seriously lack the skill as well as the technique.

I think, perhaps, Dravid and Sourav Ganguly were discarded too early and the youngsters, who replaced them, could not live up to the expectations.

Q. Do you think Dravid's presence will strengthen the middle-order?

A. Yes, absolutely. He will come in very handy for the team, as usual. He has the calibre to tackle the problems well. And the fact that he has played all over the world, will obviously help the team in more than one way. He is one of the best team man you can come across. I hold him in very high esteem.

Q. There has been much criticism about the poor fielding by the senior players, especially in the shorter versions of the game. Do you think, Rahul Dravid is included only because Virender Sehwag is not there?

A. I would say that I would have opted for Dravid even if Sehwag was in the team. And I think even the selectors would have done that. The team can just mix-it up and place Dravid in those fielding positions where he is good. He has been really good as a slip fielder and has taken number of good catches. So, I don't see a problem with that at all.

Q. Do you think India will miss Sehwag and Zaheer Khan in Sri Lanka as well as in South Africa?

A. Yes, obviously. Sehwag is one player, who bats like only he can. He has the ability to change the course of the game single-handedly. So, he will be surely missed in both the upcoming ODI series. But what can one do with the injuries?

Similarly, even Zaheer will missed just like Sehwag. Zaheer had been doing very well for the country but now that he is injured, I doubt if he would be able to make a come back. All these players are falling prey to excess of cricket being played round the year and they are dragging their injuries.

Q. What is your take on the burn-out issue of the players?

A. The cricket boards say that the players who are injured should inform the Board and opt out. But I think it is easier said than done. I don't want to blame the players also because they are human beings and they would like to earn maximum money. But in the process they hide or drag their injuries and as a result, they are left with no choice in the end but to go for surgery, which is the last resort.

And even if you stretch your body to the limit, your mind is tired. So, no matter how keen you are, if your mind is tired then nothing can work according to your plans.

Q. Do you think the tri-series in Sri Lanka, involving New Zealand as the third team will be a good practice for India, keeping in mind the upcoming Champions Trophy?

A. I don't understand the need to tour to Sri Lanka every 2-3 months. It is becoming too boring and predictable. There is nothing new to explore there. It would have been more beneficial for the team had they toured Australia, or South Africa or New Zealand. But anyway, I am sure after a good break the players would be raring to go and do well.

Q. Do you think twenty20 cricket is killing the other formats of the game?

A. No, I don't think any format of the game can kill the other one. Each one has its own relevance. Test cricket survive and will always be there.