An inside look at India's current favourite soap opera - the selection of a one-day squad to tour South Africa. To be more specific, the fitness - or lack of it - of some of the characters. VVS Laxman is definitely out, most likely for the Test series as well. So are Zaheer Khan and Hemang Badani. But the Ashish Nehra merry-go-round has caused considerable embarrassment to Indian cricket's decision makers. First, Dr. Anant Joshi - a reputed orthopaedic surgeon who is a consultant to the Board - declared Nehra and Zaheer unfit to tour after both men had earlier declared themselves to be raring to go.

Less than 24 hours after being ruled out and with the Board shortlisting three replacements, Nehra once more announced his fitness. To add a little spice, Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has been quoted by the media as saying that Nehra had informed him of his availability for the tour.

Red-faced board officials don't know what to make of it all, as can be seen from the contradictory statements coming out. The Board's credibility - never too high at the best of times - is edging ever closer to zero. Last October in Sharjah, they informed us that Anil Kumble would be "out for three to four weeks" after injuring his shoulder; he was sidelined for almost a year. Two months ago, we were told that Sachin Tendulkar would rejoin the team midway through the one-day series in Sri Lanka, the small problem of a broken foot notwithstanding; he took another two months to recover.

The cynics won't be surprised by it all. A tour to South Africa doesn't come along every week and players - fit or otherwise - want to be on that plane heading to the Cape. It's no secret that players have managed to get away with carrying injuries for years now. It's to the Board's credit that they have finally clamped down.

Not that the players can be blamed. The insecurity levels in Indian cricket are high. With the exception of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and possibly Anil Kumble (when fit), no one can take their place in the squad for granted. With lucrative central contracts being announced, the fringe players have to be wary of being pushed into the shadows.

An ex Test player - speaking to us on the grounds of strictest confidentiality - said, "I wouldn't be surprised if one or two of these boys made the trip and then broke down in the nets once they got there. They could then plead for another couple of weeks to recover, failing which they would be sent back. But either way, they get almost a month's paid vacation." Given the possibility of such a sordid scenario being played out, seeking the opinion of Dr. Joshi - a man whose professional reputation is beyond reproach - paints the BCCI in a favourable light! Even a fully fit Indian team will struggle to tread water in South Africa. The last thing they need are players looking for some sun and sand - and a physio's couch. Dileep Premachandran is an assistant editor, Wisden Online India.

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