Selection committee BCCI
India didn’t have a great year in terms of multi-national tournaments. They failed to even qualify for the finals of the Asia Cup. India made it to the semis of the T20 World Cup but was completely outplayed.
It was not the loss that hurt Indian fans but the manner of the defeat that rankled. There were apprehensions regarding whether anything will change as losing big games had become a norm for the side. It was this fear that grappled cricket lovers.
The first big change:
In a radical move the BCCI, the parent body sacked the entire selection committee. It is an unprecedented move that caught many people off guard, the BCCI has signalled change. The selection committee had just served two years out of their four-year tenure. BCCI has invited applications for a fresh selection panel.
Roles and responsibilities of the new panel:
The marker is clearly laid for the new panel to pick a captain for every format. To ensure workload management and select the best possible team. The selectors would need to address the media after every team selection. They would also need to ensure that the team possesses strong bench strength.
The selectors would need to watch both domestic & international games. It is quite evident that the board is keen on not repeating the mistakes of the past.
Does this decision impact a few players?
The invitation for a new selection panel does seem to be a step in the right direction. Players who might have missed out on opportunities earlier might sense a new beginning. The earlier panel was guilty of not being consistent with their choices.
They seem to be lacking communication with the coach and the team management. Players on the fringe can be hopeful that this decision might open the doors for them.
Which players stand to benefit the most?
#1 Prithvi Shaw
The first name that comes to one’s mind is Prithvi Shaw. He has been a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket for the past few years. He has done so at the top of the order at an enviable strike rate.
Shaw was the sort of opener India needed in the semis but didn’t have at their disposal. The new selection committee is expected to provide him with a chance to present his case in national colours.
#2 Rahul Tewatia
India searched for players who could strike big in the final overs. Their search stopped at 37-year Dinesh Karthik. India didn’t even consider the veteran keeper for the semifinal game after playing him all along.
The team would have been better served had they rather invested in someone like Rahul Tewatia. He has been a proven performer in the IPL finishing games off from nowhere. His street-smart wrist spin would have come in handy too. The new panel will surely take a closer look at Tewatia in the future.
#3 Khaleel Ahmed
In the barrage of left-arm seamers that exploded this season in the IPL, Khaleel Ahmed went unnoticed. He was arguably Delhi Capitals’ best bowler. Ahmed notched up high speeds bowling the perfect lengths across different phases of the game.
He has the experience of playing for the country. Ahmed is a wicket-taker who isn’t afraid of being under the pump. He is certainly someone who deserves a chance.
The stakes for the new selection panel:
There is a lot on the plate for the new panel to handle. It is their bold decisions that will empower the side as they prepare for two coming World Cups in two years.
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