Josh(i) in the panel
Sunil to head selection committee, Harvinder makes cut
Mumbai, March 4: Former India spinner Sunil Joshi was named chairman of the national selection panel by the BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) on Wednesday, which also picked ex-pacer Harvinder Singh in the five-member group.
The CAC, comprising Madan Lal, R P Singh and Sulakshana Naik, named the two selectors. Joshi replaces MSK Prasad (South Zone), who had an extended run after completing his four-year term.
“The committee recommended Mr Sunil Joshi for the role of Chairman of the senior men’s selection committee,” read a statement from BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.
In an unprecedented decision, the BCCI said the CAC will review the panel’s performance after one year and “make recommendations” accordingly. Harvinder was chosen from Central Zone and replaces Gagan Khoda in the panel. The existing members of the selection panel are Jatin Paranjpe (West), Devang Gandhi (East) and Sarandeep Singh (North). “We have picked the best guys for the job. We picked them (Joshi and Harvinder) because they were very clear in their views,” Lal said after the interviews.
Specifically on Joshi, Lal said: “We liked his straight-forward attitude. He is experienced also (having been part of the Bangladesh support staff). He has also coached Uttar Pradesh.
“I asked him how he handled Bangladesh selectors. He has done the toughest of jobs. His thoughts were the best,” he added.
Lal said candidates’ playing experience in all three formats was considered. “Their experience in Tests, ODIs and firstclass was considered. The rest we will get to know (with their performance). After one year’s time, if we find they have not done a good job, we will decide accordingly,” he said.
The CAC had shortlisted five candidates for interviews — Joshi, Harvinder, Venkatesh Prasad, Rajesh Chauhan and L. S. Sivaramakrishnan — from a list of 40 applicants. The likes of Ajit Agarkar and Nayan Mongia did not even make the short-list but the former could be back in contention after Paranjpe’s term ends in September along with Gandhi and Sarandeep.
“Their tenure is for oneyear. Once the tenure of other selectors is over (in September), the CAC will sit again to pick the new selectors in their place and we will review the performance of the selectors that we have picked,” said Lal. Joshi’s selection from South Zone and Harvinder getting picked from Central Zone also shows that the Board has stuck with the zonal policy.
“Our zonal system is very effective and you need it as India is a huge country,” said Lal . Their predecessors, Prasad and Khoda, who were appointed in 2015 were given an extension till last November. The 49year-old Joshi played 15 Tests and 69 ODIs between 1996 and 2001, taking 41 and 69 wickets respectively. Harvinder, who is 42, represented India in three Tests and
16 ODIs between 1998 and
2001, taking four and 24 scalps respectively.
The playing credentials of the Prasad-led panel were often questioned and this time too, the CAC decided to pick Joshi and Harvinder over more experienced candidates.
Lal said the BCCI officebearers, including president Ganguly, gave the CAC a free hand in choosing the candidates. “Ganguly did not even say a word,” he said.
On selectors dealing with the high-profile team management including skipper Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri, Lal assured the chosen ones will not shy away from taking tough calls. “We have selected those who can take the hardest of decisions.”