New Delhi: Former cricketers today welcomed the 'bold move' to include an out-of-form Virender Sehwag in India's World Cup squad, saying the swashbukling batsman had match-winning abilities and could not be ignored for such a big event.

 Many of the players also felt that Sehwag would be more effective as an opener as he could capitalise on the field restrictions and "change the complexion of the game" in the first 15 overs.

Former Indian stumper and chairman of the selection committee, Kiran More said Sehwag may not be in the best of form at the moment but it was necessary to have him in the team considering his past record.

"Sehwag is a very useful player. He is not in the best of form but you take such players for the big events. There are no surprises in the squad. It should have been a tough call for the selectors to leave out Ramesh Powar", More said.

More also approved the decision to include youngsters Robin Uthappa and Dinesh Kaarthick in the 15-member squad.

"Both of them have been around for a while now. They will be a surprise element for the opposition. Robin has done well, has some solid performances to back him. Dinesh did outstandingly on the South Africa tour", he said.

"The balance is good, with seven batsmen and seven bowlers and two wicketkeepers" he said.

The former wicketkeeper felt that fielding would be crucial for the team when they launch their World Cup campaign in the Caribbeans in March-April.