Current selectors cannot debate with Kohli, Shastri: Former cricketer

In the recent days, Indian national cricket team’s selectors and the team management came under the radar as India lost Test series in England and some selections were criticized by former players and cricket analysts. Now former India cricketer Syed Kirmani has brought to limelight another facet of this issue by saying that the current national selectors are inexperienced and hence cannot debate with Indian captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri.

According to Kirmani, Ravi Shastri is the main selector

The former India cricketer and national selector Kirmani was speaking with a news agency. He said that the current selection committee, with due respect, is inexperienced to Shastri and Kohli.

He also claimed that Ravi Shastri is the main selector, being the coach. He believes that Shastri along with the captain and senior members discuss and put what they want across to the selection committee. Kirmani made these claims with regard to the selection of Hanuma Vihari in the team ahead of Karun Nair.

Also read: Why MS Dhoni wanted Khaleel Ahmed to hold the Asia Cup trophy 

The experience of current Indian selection panel 

Kirmani’s comments on the inexperience of Indian selectors are based on evidence. The chief selector of India’s national cricket team is MK Prasad and he has played only six Tests and 17 ODIs in his career.  The committee includes four other members, Sarandeep Singh (2 Tests, 5 ODIs), Dewang Gandhi (4 Tests, 3 ODIs), Gagan Khoda (2 ODIs) and Jatin Paranjpe (4 ODIs).

So out of five selectors, only three have played Test cricket and the combined experience of the panel is 12 Tests and 31 ODIs.

Luck plays a part in selection: Kirmani

The former Indian wicket-keeper further added that luck also plays a role in selection.  He stated that he himself was sidelined at the peak of his career.

Kirmani played 88 Tests for India and is regarded highly for his wicket-keeping abilities.