Big names in fray for BCCI’s national selectors post

The national selection committee of the BCCI is expected to induct a few new faces, comprising the former India players. Some well-known faces like Chetan Sharma, Maninder Singh and Shiv Sunder Das are learnt to have applied for the vacant posts from their respective zones.

Although the zonal system has long been done away with, it is unlikely that the board will have two people from the same zone in the selction panel.

Another former India cricket, Ajit Agarkar’s name too has been making rounds. However, there has not been any confirmation in thar regard.

Given Agarkar’s vast experience as an international cricketer, it will be difficult to ignore his credentials if the Mumbai resident throws his hat in the ring.

The national selection committee is headed by Sunil Joshi from South Zone with 84 international games to his name. However, with some of the names in the fray having more experience than him, Joshi might have to relinquish his post, as per the Lodha Committee rule.

“Yes, I have applied for the selector’s post. I have no issues being an ordinary member of the panel. My main aim is to serve Indian cricket. I have played alongside legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Dilip Vegsarkar, learnt a lot from them,” said Chetan Sharma who was the first Indian to take a hat-trick in the World Cup (1987).

The 54-year-old had applied earlier in January too. However, he failed to make the cut as the board replaced MSK Prasad with Sunil Joshi and Harvinder Singh came in place of Gagan Khoda.

Maninder Singh with 94 international games is another big name to have applied from the North Zone.

“Yes, I had applied last time (in January also) and I am applying this time. If given a chance, I will certainly like to give my best shot,” said Maninder.

The most interesting contest is going to be from the East Zone. Shiv Sunder Das is up against Ranadeb Bose, who is known for his tremendous work as the coach with Bengal bowlers in the past few years.

It will be interesting to see who gets the nod from the east. One will also have to consider the fact that Das comes from Odisha, which already has a representation in form of Debasish Mohanty who is a part of the junior selection panel.