No BCCI official ever interfered in selection process, says Sandeep Patil
Mumbai: There have been many controversies surrounding Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) selection policy. They have been regularly accused of favouritism and nepotism. But outgoing Chairman of selectors Sandeep Patil had some very strong words against such accusations at the meeting, where the Indian Test team for the upcoming home series against New Zealand was announced.
Patil, whose tenure came to an end with picking of the Indian Test squad, said he never received any recommendations for selection from any BCCI official.
“Not even a single BCCI representative from any zone approached to me or interfered in selection during my tenure,” Patil said.
The comment comes amidst the growing uncertainty on when BCCI will implement Lodha Committee’s recommendations regarding board’s selection policy.
The Supreme Court appointed committee has recommended limiting the senior team selection panel to three former players, basically dismantling the zonal representation, which is there in the present five-member policy.
'Some things are best kept secret'
Patil reflected on many things that happened during his tenure. However, he dodged the ‘Sachin’ bullet as he refused to answer whether he did ask Sachin Tendulkar to retire in 2013.
“There are some matters between the selectors and BCCI which should remain confidential and cannot be revealed,” said Patil.
Patil was full of praise for Test captain Virat Kohli but refused to give his opinion on whether Kohli should take over captaincy from MS Dhoni in shorter formats as well.
'Bold selection decisions taken'
Reflecting on his tenure and the work done by the selection committee in last four years, Patil said he is leaving Indian cricket in a healthy state.
“We have taken some bold and tough decisions looking at the future of Indian cricket. We are very happy at the end of our term that the team is doing well in all three formats and I wish the next committee all the best.”
“Also, a big thank you to the BCCI for providing the opportunity. The Board has taken some great decisions during my time. We are happy with the roadmap the BCCI has drawn with Rahul Dravid taking over as coach of the juniors and Anil Kumble the seniors,” said Patil.
Patil announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Batsmen Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan both were retained in the squad despite their poor performance in West Indies, while all-rounder Stuart Binny, and pace bowler Shardul Thakur have been dropped.
Read: NZ tour of India: Binny dropped, Dhawan keeps his place in Test squad
Squad:
Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Virat Kohli (captain), Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
