It must be admitted that with the passing of time, it is becoming even more difficult for Md Azharuddin to force his way back into the Indian team. The 36-year-old former Indian captain has not played for the country for five months now, his last game being against New Zealand in the World Cup in England in June. Since then the Indian team has played in a number of one day tournaments and three Tests against New Zealand at home. And now he has been omitted from the team to tour Australia. Which means he is out of big cricket at least till the series against South Africa at home in February, by which time he will enter his 38th year. Moreover, at least initially there were reports that his name was discussed at the meetings to select the teams. Now in the words of the chairman of the selection committee Chandu Borde, Azharuddin's name was not even discussed at the time of choosing the team for the Australian tour.

The fact is that not only is the Indian batting order well settled both in Tests and one day internationals, the India A concept has also thrown up enough reserve strength. More and more players are forcing their way in through good performances in the junior ranks and one would not be surprised if the India A tour of West Indies does not throw up a couple of more serious challengers to fill in slots in the senior team.

For example in the Test team, Dravid, Tendulkar and Ganguly occupy the spots from No 3 to No 5. The No 6 slot is currently being fought for by either Vijay Bharadwaj or Ajay Jadeja. After that come the wicketkeeper and bowlers. Other contenders for the middle order include Jacob Martin, Md Kaif and VVS Laxman and of late there has been this tendency on the part of the selectors to look ahead and not look back.

To be candid, Azharuddin has not exactly augmented his claims by his lack of form in the last few games he has played. He had only a modest World Cup with just one knock over the half century mark. He did not have a very good series in the two Tests against Pakistan or the Asian Test championship earlier in the year. His Test average, for long hovering around the 50 mark, has fallen to below 45.

Of course there is that saying in cricket about form being temporary and class being permanent. Azhar has been a class player, but does he still retain it? He has repeatedly said that he has at least two good years of cricket in him and has maintained that he has no thought of retiring. All the same, it will take a batting failure of mega proportions in Australia for Azharuddin to make his way back into the Indian team. In the meantime, having recovered fully from the after effects of his surgery, he can try and work his way into top form by leading Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy.