Ravi Shastri: 2019 ODI World Cup Team; Former selector against Ravi Shastri’s statement

Mumbai: Former selector Sharandeep Singh has hit out at former coach Ravi Shastri’s statement about the inclusion of three wicket-keepers in the Indian squad for the 2019 ODI World Cup in England and the omission of Ambati Rayudu.

Ravi Shastri had said that it was unreasonable to exclude Ambati Rayudu from the squad for the 2019 ODI World Cup and to include three wicket-keepers, Dhoni, Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik. Ravi Shastri had said in the selection committee meeting that the coach has no special powers.

At the selection committee meeting, Sharandeep Singh admitted that Ravi Shastri’s claim that the coach had no particular authority was correct, but told the ANI that the coach could have told the captain if any particular player needed to be included in the team.

Before the team selection, the selection committee has detailed discussions with the captain and coach. What their plan is and what kind of team they want. Naturally they can say there if they want to include any particular player. The name they mentioned may sometimes be rejected. But when the final selection is complete, we do not have major disagreements.

Ravi Shastri was the head coach of the team. He could have asked which player he wanted. What could he say to Koli. Anything could be demanded. There has been no such disagreement with Ravi Shastri for four years. Ravi Shastri is an excellent coach. He listens attentively to all of us.

The three wicket-keepers and batsmen who took part in the team for the World Cup. Rishabh picked up the ball only when Shikhar Dhawan was injured. With KL Rahul as the opener, he is looking for a batter to beat in the middle order. But the selection of the playing XI is always decided by the team management. The selection committee does not intervene.

But when we suddenly hear things like this, it makes us uncomfortable. Because we have made decisions collectively and fairly in team selection. Nothing is hidden from anyone. Sharandeep, a selector from the North Zone, said the team is selected at a meeting attended by the captain.

Last Updated Dec 14, 2021, 9:24 PM IST