MUMBAI, Oct 22: Indian cricket coach Greg Chappell has hinted that a youth policy may be best way forward for India if they are to mount a challenge at 2007 World Cup.

“It seems a long way away but we need to start looking at 2007 seriously from now, taking into account injuries, form and other factors.

“We need to use our resources wisely as it’s easier for a youngster to come into an experienced side.”

India host Sri Lanka and South Africa for 12 one-day internationals. Those matches will be played from Tuesday over a hectic four weeks.

Chappell did not directly say that it was time to go for youth. But added: “Australia struggled in 1980s because they did not bring in youngsters at the right time and we need to be careful in that regard.”

Indians, World Cup finalists in 2003, have slumped to number seven in the one-day rankings.

By contrast, Sri Lanka (second) and South Africa (fifth) are moving in the opposite direction.

Chappell has already convinced the selectors to change captains, with Rahul Dravid replacing Sourav Ganguly, India’s most successful Test skipper who was involved in an ugly spat with the coach last month.

Indian squad for the first two one-dayers against Sri Lanka, which excludes Ganguly, also bears Chappell stamp with a horde of youngsters rubbing shoulders with the veterans.

One notable absentee in an inexperienced batting line-up is seasoned middle-order batsman Venkatsai Laxman, a formidable Test batsman.

Of his omission, former India great Kapil Dev said: “It seems Laxman does not figure in Chappell’s plans for 2007 World Cup and that is a pity.—PPI