Dhoni, Tendulkar could be rested for Windies ODIs

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is contemplating sending a few senior players to Australia earlier than scheduled to help them adapt to the conditions.

If sources are to be believed, a decision to this effect has already been made.

The said players, in all likelihood, will either be rested for the forthcoming ODI series against the West Indies or selected to for only a couple of matches when the selectors sit down to pick the squad for the same.

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Sources suggested captain MS Dhoni might just get a breather, keeping in mind the fact that he has hardly had time to rest.

Asked about the possibility, Gautam Gambhir's initial response was in the affirmative, even though he later took the diplomatic route.

"I don't know what the scenario is. But if they send some of us early it is good," said Gambhir.

"The better you prepare, the better you do on the tour," he added, before proceeding to cite an example.

"We have seen in the case of South Africa when some of the guys went there early and prepared for the series," explained Gambhir, adding, "We had a great series against the South Africans.

"So it is always good if players can go early, get acclimatized to the conditions and get used to the wickets."

It is imperative to mention here that Sachin Tendulkar also skipped India's tour of West Indies and went to England early.  

If the sources are to be believed Dhoni, Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and a few other players will leave for Down Under earlier than scheduled.

With Team India having never ever won a Test series in Australia, the upcoming tour, beginning December 26 with the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, assumes added significance.  

"It is a really big tour for us," admitted Gambhir.

"Hopefully we can do well and try and win the series," he continued, adding, "More importantly, we have got to play some good and attacking cricket.

"So if the board decides to send some players early it will be a good decision."