Statistics and computers will and can reveal nothing.
Sehwag is unpredictable - one day he can score a brilliant 300, other day he will flop cheaply. But if I were the captain of Team India, I will never ever go out to play without Sehwag in my team. My reasoning: There is no guarantee of a win with 6 Dravids or 6 Sachins in the side. There is always a possibility of a win, with just one Sehwag, even if the possibility may actualize once in a while only.
Ganguly's tally of runs in the last 13 tests and average look healthy. But what about his attitude, fitness and fielding? Does he inspire other players with his batting? Does he play for team win or sealing his own place in the side?
Dravid's tally of runs and average are inferior to Ganguly's. He might have been victim of a few wrong umpiring decisions and that might have spoiled his figures. But these things apart, does Dravid bring cheers to the fans and fellow players in a positive way? Can he ever come out of his shell of "safety first" and obsession with defence?
Laxman's average is gloated. He comes in to bat at No.6 and is cunning enough to expose the tailenders to much of the bowling, he himself remaining not out and thereby increasing the average.
It is said we eat to live and not live to eat. In Sachin's case, records mean everything, even more team's fortunes.
The spirits of the five seniors (Kumble included) is so dismal in recent times, they just need to go.
