Reuben Paul for keeper's slot says CricInfo poll

With the Indian team selection slated for September 20, the people's verdict for the keeper's slot certainly seems to favour the dashing 29-year-old keeper from Tamil Nadu. A CricInfo opinion poll asking - Who should be India's next wicketkeeper? - has voted in favour of Tamil Nadu's Reuben Paul who received 47.2% of the votes. Though Paul was overlooked by the South Zone selectors last season, his record was impressive and he played an important role in his side making the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy.

India under-19 keeper, Ajay Ratra was next in line polling 32.9%. Of the 13,995 votes polled, Vijay Dahiya secured 11.1% and Test discard Nayan Mongia received a meagre 6.7% votes. People who did not agree with the above mentioned choices recorded 2.1%.

Paul has had a terrific run in the last domestic season. In eleven matches he scored 431 runs at an average of 30.78. He was outstanding behind the wickets claiming 29 catches and effecting four stumpings.

North Zone and Delhi's Vijay Dahiya too has been very impressive behind the stumps. He had 30 victims with 28 catches and 2 stumpings. He also had a decent run with the bat compiling 332 runs at an average of 22.13.

For his part, Haryana's Ajay Ratra made 257 runs in the 12 innings he played at an average of 25.70 with a highest of 75. To his credit he took 11 catches and effected 3 stumpings.

The poll goes in favour of the selectors decision, who have dropped Nayan Mongia from the team's list of probables. Mongia who was recalled for the tour of Australia, subsequently played against South Africa. Later he was dropped for the one-dayers in favour of Saba Karim. Mongia made 208 runs at an average of 20.80 and took 22 catches and 2 stumpings last season.

Bengal's Saba Karim though not considered must consider himself a bit unlucky having been forced out of the side due to an eye injury. Karim had to fly back to India during the course of the Asia Cup having been hit on his eye by a ball from Anil Kumble.

Purely on merit, Reuben Paul gets the vote for the keeper's slot. The hard hitting wicketkeeper batsman from Tamil Nadu has been very impressive. He has been very effective and efficient behind the wickets. Being a hard hitter of the ball, Paul has an edge over the others with his ability to accelerate the scoring in the slog overs. Maybe he should be given a much needed break which the young Tamil Nadu player deserves. Will the selectors give him the break he deserves?