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Ajinkya Rahane says the selection committee needs a big change

Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has suggested major changes in how selectors are chosen, especially for domestic cricket. He believes that only recently retired first-class players should handle team selection since they better understand the modern game. At present, any player with at least 10 first-class matches and retired for five years can apply to be a state selector. Rahane added that beyond qualifications, selectors should have a mindset and approach that fit today’s fast-evolving cricket.

“Players shouldn’t feel afraid of selectors,” Ajinkya Rahane said during a chat with his longtime teammate Cheteshwar Pujara on his YouTube channel. He added that domestic cricket needs selectors who have retired recently, around five to eight years ago, and have fresh experience of top-level cricket.

Pujara Highlights the Continued Importance of Domestic Cricket

Rahane explained that since cricket is constantly changing, selectors must have a modern mindset that keeps up with the game’s evolution. He said decisions shouldn’t be made based on how cricket was played decades ago. With formats like T20 and the IPL shaping today’s game, it’s crucial for selectors to understand the approach and style of modern players.

Rahane said that selectors should ideally represent different states so that players can play freely and without fear. In response, Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s dependable No. 3 batter for over a decade, partially agreed with Rahane’s opinion but offered a more balanced perspective on the matter.

Pujara explained that this idea could work well in bigger states since they have plenty of player options. He agreed that it should be implemented where possible but added that former cricketers with strong records shouldn’t be denied the opportunity to become selectors just because they retired a long time ago.

Both Rahane and Pujara agreed that performances in domestic cricket should play a major role when selecting players for India’s Test team.

Rahane said he firmly believes that anyone aiming to play Test cricket must first participate in domestic tournaments and perform well there, as it’s the true test of a player’s skills and consistency.

Pujara pointed out that in recent team selections, especially over the last few series, players who performed well in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments have been given chances in the Indian squad.

He said this is a positive step because domestic players deserve to be rewarded for their consistent performances. Pujara further added that this approach should continue and that selections for the Indian Test team should be based entirely on domestic cricket performance.

Rahane agreed with Pujara, saying that Test team selection should indeed be based on domestic performances. He added that when a player earns a Test cap after proving themselves in domestic cricket, it not only adds value to the achievement but also deepens their understanding and appreciation of playing Test cricket.

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Pujara said it’s wrong to think that players don’t value domestic cricket anymore. He explained that while domestic cricket is still important, players’ priorities have shifted. Nowadays, there are specialized players for each format, not just in India but globally. With fewer Test matches played each year, many players feel that if they aren’t part of white-ball cricket, they miss out on significant opportunities.

Pujara emphasized that although players’ priorities have shifted, it doesn’t mean they don’t want to play domestic cricket.

After a successful career spanning 103 Tests, Pujara retired from all forms of cricket in August, following his exclusion from the England series. Rahane, while still active internationally, stepped down as Mumbai’s captain in the same month.

Both batters agreed that Indian cricket has grown significantly in strength and quality over the years.

Impact of IPL and Changing Priorities on Indian Cricket

Rahane noted that domestic cricket has changed a lot since they started playing. He said the infrastructure, grounds, and facilities have improved significantly compared to the past.

He added that while the quality of cricket was high back then and remains strong today, there’s always room for improvement. Earlier, domestic cricket was crucial for exposure, performing well could lead to selection for West Zone and then the India A team.

Pujara said that since the IPL began in 2008, Indian cricket has changed dramatically, and this shift has also affected domestic cricket.