BCCI To Soon Get Big Shuffle As Ex-IPL Champion Set To Join Selection Panel

The Indian cricket establishment finds itself in the news once more as the Board of Control for Cricket in India gears up for the next set of changes. As per reports, former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha is the likely addition to Ajit Agarkar headed men's selection panel. The BCCI recently sought applications for two positions in the national selection panel and the last date for submission is September 10. The move has evoked a wave of interest among cricket enthusiasts who are always eager to learn how selections are handled at the top level of the game in India.

The BCCI has confirmed that the process of adding new members is already underway but has not indicated which zones will be represented finally or who will be substituted. But reports indicate that the changes in the near future are likely to come from the Central and South Zones. Until now the strongest suggestion is that Ojha could replace S Sharath who played for the South Zone and has now served out his term as a selector. The Central Zone replacement is still a secret with no names confirmed at present.

Pragyan Ojha is not unfamiliar to Indian cricket. The left arm spinner was a member of three Indian Premier League champion teams and also played for India in Tests and One Day Internationals. His experience of playing cricket and his thorough understanding of the sport make him a likely choice to replace Sharath. The BCCI usually seeks out retired players who not only possess technical know-how but also the pressure and stress of contemporary cricket. Having Ojha in the committee would bring balance and experience while picking squads for the big tournaments like the Asia Cup or the ICC tournaments.

National selection committee has a massive say in moulding the future of Indian cricket. Every team selection sees debates regarding current form fitness and consistency of the players. It is not an easy task as every decision is analyzed by fans and experts alike. Ajit Agarkar who heads the current selection committee is accompanied by SS Das Subroto Banerjee Ajay Ratra and until recently S Sharath. With Sharath's departure it is only to be expected that BCCI is now searching for a new face who can make an input towards the decision making process.

The criteria for eligibility for becoming a national selector has not changed with the passage of time. Candidates should have played at least seven Test matches or thirty first class games. Alternatively, a pathway is also available for those who have played at least ten One Day Internationals and twenty first class matches. This ensures that selectors are experienced in the game and can apply useful knowledge while selecting the national team.

A BCCI official has confirmed that the selectors' contracts are renewed annually. The board is yet to decide exactly which selectors are to be replaced in this cycle but the process should be over soon. Therefore, though Pragyan Ojha's name is as good as finalized for the South Zone seat the Central Zone representative will only be confirmed after more deliberation.

Of the earlier batch S Sharath played for the South Zone and SS Das for the Central Zone. The present panel too includes players who played for other zones during their careers and hence there is overlap in representation at times. Both SS Das and Subroto Banerjee, for example, played for the East Zone. This makes the ultimate allocation of zones between selectors slightly problematic but the BCCI generally sees to it that equitable representation is made across geography.

Pragyan Ojha's probable inclusion has also generated debate among fans and pundits. Some feel his spin bowling acumen will be a big asset for the team particularly as India is greatly dependent on spin in Tests as well as limited overs cricket. Others feel that selectors also need to bring a strong understanding of the domestic circuit as many future stars are identified through Ranji Trophy and India A matches. Ojha has been closely involved with domestic cricket since retiring and that adds weight to his case.

The BCCI’s decision to refresh its selection panel regularly is seen as a healthy practice. It prevents stagnation and allows new perspectives to come in. Each selector has a different perspective informed by their own career and experience. With the game today evolving so quickly selectors must stay ahead of new trends in workload management and data analysis for performance. Introduction of a younger player like Ojha could fill the gap between the older style and the newer requirements of international cricket.

It is also noteworthy that the present selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar recently selected squads for the Asia Cup. Their choices were followed in great interest and discussed as always. The future changes will result in the new members soon making important decisions with the World Cup cycle and key tours ahead of them. The selectors' job extends much beyond selecting a playing eleven. They have to think long term in terms of bench strength cover options and nurturing young ones to handle greater responsibilities.

As the application deadline draws near the cricket world will look on eagerly. Although Pragyan Ojha's selection is practically a done deal the suspense regarding the Central Zone replacement remains. Whoever is picked will join a panel that bears the responsibility of moulding India's cricketing future. The BCCI is ready for another shake-up and the supporters can look forward to new ideas and energy being injected into the system. With each change the expectation is that Indian cricket will become a stronger force and continue at the pinnacle of world cricket.