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India have stuck to their tried and tested for the four-Test series against Australia which gets under way tomorrow.
There was much anticipation that a new selection committee may opt for fresh blood against a fairly inexperienced Australian side.
Such things don't happen in the subcontinent. Bringing in new players would mean upsetting some of India's ageing superstars. The panel did not want to get off on the wrong foot.
Saurav Ganguly deservedly kept his place. The Indian media had a field day speculating that the Prince of Kolkata may be banished forever.
The rumours now going around is that Ganguly will get the golden handshake after the first two Tests. It has been said that a graceful exit by the much-maligned batsman and former captain would tie things up nicely.
But why Ganguly? Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar have fared no better. In fact, before his failure in Sri Lanka, Ganguly had performed well both overseas and at home.
If anybody deserved to get the chop, it should have been Dravid. One of India's greatest-ever players is now struggling to get the ball off the square.
Selections aside, India must not underestimate the Australians. Though many of the players are raw, the Australian first-class cricket system is such that they find it easier to step up to the higher level.
Much has been made of captain Ricky Ponting's poor record in India. It must not be forgotten that Ponting is a class act and such barbs may just egg him on to better performances.
Australia's batting is in good hands. Though Michael Hussey may not have played a Test in India, he has adapted well to all situations.
Simon Katich gets a chance to continue the good work he did in the West Indies. The non-selection of Andrew Symonds has assured him of a spot in the team.
With India certain to focus on spin, the Australians have some very good players of the turning ball in Matthew Hayden, Ponting and vice-captain Michael Clarke. Symonds will be missed though, because he probably is the best player of spin bowling.
Australia's fast bowling is in good hands but the spin bowling - in the hands of Cameron White, who replaced the injured Bryce McGain, and off-spinner Jason Krejza - is totally suspect. But the Australians may opt to go with the fast men and leave the spin to part-timer Clarke.
Brett Lee has got better with age. He will have to maintain his recent good form to get something out of the wickets in India.
India will pray that their Golden Oldies will break out of their poor run and start to perform once again. These players have the class to succeed, age notwithstanding. If they click, then Australia are in for a hard time.
India must prepare spinner-friendly wickets to not only negate Australia's fast bowlers but also play to their own strength.
It will be Advantage India, if the curators don't botch it up, as they usually tend to do.
