BCCI New Selection Committee: India Cricket Overhaul: What could be a surprising call, BCCI and Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) have rejected Venkatesh Prasad for the selector’s role. The former India pacer was the most qualified candidate to submit an application for the role from South Zone. However, CAC was not impressed nonetheless. Had he made it to the selection committee, he would have become the new chairman of the selection committee, replacing Chetan Sharma. But now, the sacked chairman will continue to serve for another two years. New selectors will be announced this week. Follow India Cricket LIVE & IND vs SL LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
BCCI Shortlist:
- Chetan Sharma
- Harvinder Singh
- Amay Khurasia
- Ajay Ratra
- SS Das
- Sridharan Sharath
- Connor Williams
- Salil Ankola
“No, he did not make it to the shortlist. It’s completely up to the CAC to take a call on the shortlist. So, they know better,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.
BCCI New Selection Committee: BCCI & CAC REJECT most QUALIFIED candidate Venkatesh Prasad, former pacer fails to make shortlist, Chetan Sharma to continue, Follow LIVE Updates
BCCI has received over 200 applications for the 5 vacant posts. BCCI had fired the entire 4-member selection committee following India’s T20 World Cup debacle. However, as things stand, BCCI is ready to make a U-Turn and give second chance to Chetan Sharma and Harvinder Singh.
In reality, BCCI and the CAC will only hire three new selectors with both Chetan & Harvinder to continue. Amongst the shortlisted candidates, Ajay Ratra is one of the most relatable names having played 6 Tests, 12 ODIs and 99 First Class matches. Most importantly, he has played 17 T20s for Haryana. The 41-year-old will also be the youngest member of the selection committee if he makes it.
“It’s not about 2nd chance, it is about who deserves it more than others. CAC has submitted their recommendations. BCCI will go through it and make the announcement this week. Chetan is very experienced and has been leading. He will continue to do what he does and since he has a fair bit of idea about India’s preparation for World Cup 2023, it’s only fair to continue with him and not make a drastic change,” the BCCI official said.
BCCI New Selection Committee: BCCI & CAC REJECT most QUALIFIED candidate Venkatesh Prasad, former pacer fails to make shortlist, Chetan Sharma to continue, Follow LIVE Updates
As for Tamil Nadu’s domestic star Sridharan Sharath, he is in the junior selection committee. BCCI believes he can bridge the gap between junior and seniors. The likes of Yash Dhull and others who are climbing up the ladder will get backing through Sridharan in future team selections. It’s BCCI who asked Sridharan to apply for the senior selection committee.
From East Zone, Shiv Sunder Das is the favourite to become new selector, replacing Debasish Mohanty. The former India opener from Odisha was also a favourite last time but missed out. With no other big competition from the East, he will fill in the place.
However, it’s interesting to see who makes it from the West Zone. There are a number of eligible candidates and at least three are in the shortlist including Salil Ankola.
T20 Specialist in New Selection Committee? – The BCCI is also of the view that a selector with experience in playing T20 Cricket should be part of the selection committee.
- Following India’s Asia Cup and T20 World Cup disappointments, BCCI believes India must have someone in the selection panel with T20 experience.
- It came to light that while picking T20 teams, the Chetan Sharma-led committee relied on feedback from Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid.
- But with changing dynamics of T20s, India must have a selector who has played the format and understands the dynamics.
- Ajay Ratra could fulfil that criterion if he comes on board.
- With T20 World Cup 2024 two years away, the new selection committee will have to make a core group in advance.
BCCI New Selection Committee: BCCI & CAC REJECT most QUALIFIED candidate Venkatesh Prasad, former pacer fails to make shortlist, Chetan Sharma to continue, Follow LIVE Updates
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