The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is on the lookout for a new chief selector as the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 approaches. Following the departure of Chetan Sharma after a TV sting operation earlier this year, the BCCI aims to fill this crucial role promptly.
The current selection committee, led by Shiv Sunder Das, includes Subroto Banerjee, Salil Ankola, and Sridharan Sharath. However, the absence of prominent figures like Krishnamachari Srikkanth or Sunil Gavaskar, who openly questioned team management in the past, has left a void. The BCCI is actively seeking qualified candidates to bring a fresh approach to the selection process.
India’s aspiration to win an ICC trophy has been unfulfilled for a decade. Their last ODI triumph came in the 2011, hosted on home soil. After 2013’s Champions Trophy win, India is yet to bag another trophy. With the 2023 World Cup fast approaching, the BCCI recognizes the importance of building a strong and balanced squad through meticulous selection.
Injuries and the search for backup options have further complicated the process. The committee must learn from past mistakes, particularly the questionable selections made during the 2019 World Cup by former chief selector MSK Prasad.
Narrowing down the initial 20-player shortlist to the final 15 will be a critical task. The decisions made by the selection committee will heavily influence the team’s composition and ultimately determine India’s chances of lifting the coveted trophy. With the clock ticking, the BCCI is under pressure to appoint a capable individual who can lead the selection committee effectively.
Speculation suggests that former cricketer Virender Sehwag may be considered for the role of chief selector. As the search continues, the BCCI aims to find someone with expertise, cricketing knowledge, and strong decision-making skills. The new chief selector will play a vital role in shaping the team, strategizing for the tournament, and ending India’s trophy drought.
