Superstar culture runs through DNA of Indian cricket
SELECTORS MUST BE LIKE UMPIRES, FIRM AND CONSISTENT, AND WORK WITHIN ACCEPTABLE GROUND RULES. TALENT MUST BE NURTURED AND EXPERIENCE TRUSTED. AJINKYA RAHANE CAN’T BECOME A BAD BATSMAN AFTER ONE BAD TOUR.
The interview for selecting the selectors focused almost entirely on MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Candidates were asked how they’d deal with Indian cricket’s hottest stars and the CAC wanted answers to two critical questions—what to do with Dhoni, the all-time legend? How to manage Virat, the current superstar?
Nobody has clear answers, not even the CAC. Good batsmen play the ball close to the body, and Dhoni has mastered the art of keeping the cards close to his chest. About his future plans there is mystery. There speculation but the only confirmed news is the ‘thala’ is at CSK nets much to the delight of devoted fans.
Selectors have to decide on Dhoni, and this is the tough part, communicate with him. Not easy because how do you tell him it is time to move on?
Virat poses a different challenge for the selectors. Like the MSK Prasad-led committee, this one is also lightweight in Test experience, therefore on the back foot when communicating with the assertive Indian captain. It appears the powerful Virat/ Shastri pair has a huge say in who gets the final nod.
That selectors are chosen based on responses to managing stars confirms Indian cricket is personality driven. The superstar culture runs through its DNA and top players have a status that threatens the belief that the game is bigger than any individual.
The selection interview focused on MSD and Virat, but the new selectors will be asked many other questions. Some, in the context of the T20 World Cup, are immediate which the selectors need to address. For instance, who is the chosen keeper? Is KL Rahul the new Rahul Dravid or is there place for the fearless Pant?
Who is the best spin option? Is Kuldeep Yadav out of the mix and is Jadeja the best bet after Chahal? Who is the first choice opener to partner Rohit Sharma—Shikhar Dhawan,
Prithvi Shaw or Rahul? Who is part of the imminent mini transition in pace bowling? If Navdeep Saini and Prasidh Krishna are front-runners, what happens to Bhuvi and Unadkat? Who will occupy the second all-rounder slot, besides Hardik Pandya— Shivam Dube or Kedar Jadhav?
There are larger issues about the longer format. The selectors have to work out a policy on player workload, injury management and rehab and return considering Ishant’s recent troubles. Creating bench strength and building a talent pathway, from Ranji to international cricket, is another priority considering Shubman Gill’s example he is on the waiting list for so long.
Selectors make choices using statistics, gut feel and experience. It’s never easy to balance performance and potential and identify the bright spark that separates the good from the ordinary. Also, it’s tough to decide how much rope to give to someone out of form, whether to choose experience or a young prospect.
Selectors must be like umpires, firm and consistent, and work within acceptable ground rules. Talent must be nurtured and experience trusted—Ajinkya Rahane can’t become a bad batsman after one bad tour.
The questions posed to Sunil Joshi before handing the job were valid. National selectors and India captain must share a vision, just that in India, especially with Virat, it’s clear who the senior partner is. In the last few years, he is writing the script to develop a team culture that values fitness, commitment and competing aggressively regardless of conditions. Virat is the lead, the selectors only play support roles—a policy principle established when Shastri was appointed coach.