As a selector, you will have to make decisions even against the legends of the game: MSK Prasad

Former Indian selector, MSK Prasad’s tenure as the Indian team chief selector was filled with controversies. There were many times when the former cricketer and his committee faced flak on social media for their surprising decisions. Prasad was involved in an interactive conversation where he spoke at lengths regarding his tenure as the selector.

The 46-year-old revealed that as a chairman of selectors he took some harsh calls keeping all the emotions and love at the side. Prasad added that there were instances when he went against the legends of the game for the interest of the future of the Indian cricket team. One of the most crucial phases for the selection committee was to deal with former Indian skipper MS Dhoni’s retirement. 

“During the course of your journey as a selector, you will have to make some tough decisions even against the legends of the game in the interest of the future of Indian cricket. Identifying the right successor is the most important job of a selector. You have to be dispassionate as a selector and can’t be emotional about taking tough decisions. 

“And the reason for having a selection committee is to create successors. There can’t be another Dhoni or Sachin (Tendulkar) as they are very unique and their contribution is invaluable and no one can question that,” Prasad told cricket.com

MSK Prasad and his committee didn’t receive enough appreciation and recognition for their contribution to the Indian cricket team. When the former selector was questioned regarding the same, Prasad said that their work is in front of the whole world to see.

Speaking about the Test series between India and Australia earlier this year, Prasad asserted that there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the youngsters perform in the absence of the main players.

We played our little part in helping this Indian team play the final of the World Test championship: MSK Prasad

“You need to do what you are supposed to do. Our deeds are there to see. If seven superstars of the Indian team don’t play in an important match, seven youngsters step in their place [the 2020-21 Australia tour] from India A and win you the game, it is a big compliment for our hard work,” he said.

Further in the interaction, the 46-year-old also expressed his excitement over India reaching the final of the World Test Championship. Most of the players selected in the Indian squad for the summit clash made their debut or flourished under MSK Prasad’s tenure as a selector. 

“There are no two ways about it. The amount of satisfaction and happiness you get from this. From the selection point of view, we did our best. We played our little part in helping this Indian team play the final of the World Test championship. This team thoroughly deserves it since they have been number one for the last four years. Now, I can’t wait to watch the final,” MSK Prasad signed off.