5 controversial selection-related decisions in cricket

#3 Dropping Kapil Dev in the 1984 Calcutta Test against England

Kapil Dev was dropped for playing a reckless shot

An exemplary all-rounder and a trailblazer - Kapil Dev was a match winner in the true sense. He was at the receiving end of a harsh decision made by the selection committee. The year was 1984 and England were touring India. The hosts were leading the series after winning the first match.

The second match was being played at the Feroz Shah Kotla and was heading towards a draw on day five. That is when Kapil tried playing an aggressive shot and got out. The last few wickets fell quickly handing England a famous victory.

Kapil was dropped for the next match at the Eden Gardens in Calcutta. The selection committee headed by Chandu Borde decided to drop him as a punishment for playing a reckless shot in the previous match.

The skipper Sunil Gavaskar was also a part of the selection committee. Kapil alleged that the opener was responsible for his omission. However, Gavaskar denied any involvement in the controversial move.