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"Players shouldn't be scared": Rahane calls for change in Agarkar-led selection committee

Akshita Patel

Ajinkya Rahane takes stand for players [Source: @ajinkyarahane88, @RanaAhmad056/X.com]Ajinkya Rahane takes stand for players [Source: @ajinkyarahane88, @RanaAhmad056/X.com]

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has hinted that Indian players are scared of selectors while advocating for a complete overhaul of the selection system. 

Rahane’s remarks come at a time when Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee is already under public scrutiny for recent squad decisions.

Ajinkya Rahane seeks new-age selectors who understand IPL cricket

Speaking with Cheteshwar Pujara on his YouTube channel, Ajinkya Rahane said that it’s time for recently retired players, especially those who understand the modern T20 and IPL era, to take over as selectors.

While suggesting that currently players somewhere fear the selectors, Rahane believes that they need decision makers who understand how cricket has evolved, particularly with the rise of T20 leagues and changing styles of play. 

"Players should not be scared of selectors. We should have selectors who have retired recently from playing top-flight cricket, those who have retired five-six years, seven-eight years ago. Because the way cricket is evolving, I think it's very important that the mentality and mindset of the selectors match that and keep pace with the change," Rahane said.

At present, the BCCI allows former players with at least 10 first-class matches to become state selectors, but only after a five-year cooling-off period. 

For the national selection committee, the rules are even stricter. Rahane believes such rules are old and should be amended in order to adapt to the current cricket atmosphere.

"We don't want to make decisions based on how cricket was played 20-30 years ago. With formats like T20 and the IPL, it's important to understand the style of modern cricket players. I believe selectors should, wherever possible, be individuals from all states, and players should be on the ground playing with freedom, playing fearless cricket," he added.

He explained that the current setup is still influenced by how cricket was played decades ago, which doesn’t help players facing the pressures of formats like T20 cricket and the IPL. 

Cheteshwar Pujara had a neutral view

Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara, who recently retired from international cricket, shared a balanced view. While agreeing with Ajinkya Rahane’s point, he noted that the idea might not be easy to implement everywhere. 

"In big states, this can be implemented because they have so many options. So, wherever possible, I do agree that it can be implemented, but that does mean that any past cricketer, who has got a great record and wants to be a selector now, should be deprived of the chance because he retired long back," Pujara said.

Whether this idea is further considered by the BCCI or not remains to be seen. However, Rahane’s point of evolution will surely lead to a lot of debates among critics.