BCCI is readying future replacement for Hardik Pandya. With not many all-rounders in India’s arsenal, BCCI has summoned 20 players to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) who can be potential all-rounders. Arjun Tendulkar is one of the big names to get the call-up while Chetan Sakariya and Harshit Rana are others. NCA chief VVS Laxman will conduct the 20-day camp with considering U23 Emerging Asia Cup in mind.
Shiv Sunder Das-led (interim) Senior national selection committee has selected players based on performance and potential.
“There is an Emerging Asia Cup (U-23) also later this year and BCCI is looking at potential youngsters. The all-rounders camp is an idea of NCA’s head of cricket VVS Laxman to ensure that we develop a lot of multi-skilled players across formats,” a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
BCCI NCA Camp: Why Arjun Tendulkar?
Legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s son Arjun, who plays first-class cricket for Goa and made his IPL debut in the last edition for Mumbai Indians, is a surprise addition. But can his call-up be questioned, considering his modest performance in domestic cricket and IPL?
A BCCI source confirmed to PTI that it is not just about performance. With a Ranji Trophy century in his kitty as well as a left-arm seamer, he has the potential.
“Arjun already has a Ranji Trophy century. A left-arm pacer who bowls between early and mid 130 kmph and bats left-handed. He brings in variety,” the source said.
“It is not just about numbers but also about potential. He is 23 and has time to develop is what this (senior selection) committee thinks. Else, they wouldn’t have picked him. Yes, he only has 12 wickets from seven first-class games but he has shown a certain degree of ability and coaches will work on that,” the BCCI source added.
Not all all-rounders
However, not everyone summoned for the camp is a pure all-rounder. Some of them are batting all-rounders while some are bowling all-rounders. The idea is to tap the potential and help them upgrade their skills suitably for transition to the next grade.
The names also include Saurashtra left-arm seamer, Chetan Sakariya. The youngster played for India in 2021 and also plays in the IPL for Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals.
There is Punjab’s left-handed batter Abhishek Sharma, who has put in some good performances with the willow for Sunrisers Hyderabad and also bowls tight left-arm spin. Apart from Tendulkar, Goa’s From Delhi, the two players sent are fast bowler Harshit Rana and medium pacer Divij Mehra, both of whom are handy batters.
“Harshit was in fact summoned as a net bowler with the senior Indian team to UK for WTC finals. Accordingly, his visa and travel documents were prepared but we saw Yarra Prithviraj of Andhra being sent. But it’s good that national selectors are seriously considering his potential. He is also a handy batter, who can only get better if he works on his batting,” a senior DDCA official said.
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