New Delhi: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram feels Sachin Tendulkar should bid adieu to the one-dayers in order to make things easier for the selectors.
Akram believed no matter how badly the champion batsman performs, Indian selectors cannot "dare" to drop him.
"I feel Tendulkar should leave one-dayers and concentrate on Test cricket in order to make things easy for the selectors. The Indian selectors can never dare to drop Tendulkar even if he goes on performing badly," said Akram.
The veteran fast bowler said Tendulkar should not worry about his 100th international ton and rather focus on the longest format of the game as the centuries would still continue to flow from his blade.
"Tendulkar should take a call on himself. Hundreds will still come by for Tendulkar in the longest format of the game and he should not worry about that," Akram was quoted as saying.
Akram, meanwhile, was dismissive of Indian skipper M S Dhoni, who had said losing the toss played a crucial role in their miserable run Down Under.
"Dhoni is making a lame excuse," said Akram while lambasting India`s meek surrender to Australia in their previous game at Sydney.
India were bundled out for a mere 162 runs while chasing a victory target of 252 and Akram felt that the Indian top-order lacked application and were not willing to stay at the crease for longer duration.
The Indian trio of Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag and Tendulkar have just managed one half-century opening partnership in the tournament so far.
"The Indian batsmen have made a mockery of themselves. The top-order is not willing to stay at the crease. Sehwag and Tendulkar have been getting out in the first few overs. How can you chase a target like this?" asked Akram.
Akram blamed the Indian think-tank for their wretched run and said that they failed to put a proper plan in place.
"Only Umesh Yadav has generated enough pace on bouncy Australian wickets. Irfan Pathan and Praveen Kumar have even failed to get a good carry. The Indians have failed to plan and strategise. It`s too late on this tour but they should certainly look ahead now," Akram said.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, February 28, 2012, 13:16