Deciphering the Indian Selectors’ mindset

The IPL effect

There has always been a big debate about the importance that must be placed on a player’s IPL form. It’s a different ball-game altogether. The format and the nature of the opposition one faces in IPL is vastly different from ODIs. At best, IPL should serve as a platform for spotting talent and not fast-tracking them into the international arena. A good IPL season must be followed by careful scrutiny in the domestic circuit before a player can be drafted to represent India. While players like Ashwin and Jadeja shot to prominence with their performances in the IPL, a few others found it difficult to carry the same form on to the international circuit. Manpreet Gony’s failure and Vinay’s Kumar unimpressive bowling at the international level are examples where a player’s IPL form shouldn’t be the sole criteria for an Indian team selection.

The selectors took a stance with Sehwag, Harbhajan and Zaheer and took their IPL performances out of equation when they didn’t select them in the list of 30. But what about Rohit Sharma? He has been Indian cricket’s most tragic story so far. He failed to make it to the starting XI on a consistent basis in the last two ODI series that India has played. So how does he find a place in the side? One wonders if it on the basis of his IPL performances where he was the leading run scorer for the eventual winners.

Even Vinay Kumar’s inclusion ahead for Shami Ahmed comes as a surprise considering that the latter has shown good skill and control in the 5 matches he has played for India. He might not have a bagful of wickets, but an economy rate of 4.57 on flat Indian wickets commands respect. Vinay Kumar’s IPL performance, where he took 23 wickets, can be the only reason explaining his inclusion. This again begs the question – should IPL performances serve as the yardstick for selection? If yes, then it has to be consistent for players – something which the selectors haven’t done by selecting Sharma and Kumar.

The mother of all ambiguities

The exclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara nullifies all that has been established in the lines above. Yes, he was injured; but that can’t be the reason for his exclusion from the list of probables. A shining star like him with one of the best techniques in the country and an impressive record in the home Tests against England and Australia signals talent and good temperament – and copious amounts of both. One needs good skill to counter the moving ball in the English conditions; and if there is anyone in Indian cricket who can do that, it’s Pujara. He has ticked all boxes – he is young, has a bright future and has had success in international cricket so far. His exclusion remains a shocking surprise. Why is he being measured with a different yardstick?

Thus, the selection committee definitely has a clear focus on performance and grooming players for the future. However, there remain a couple of questions which haven’t been satisfactorily answered by the selection committee’s recent decisions. A much fairer and clearer approach will go a long way in building a meritorious and stronger cricket team.