Communication is a key to success for any process: MSK Prasad

The competition for places in the Indian team at the moment is very intense. Despite getting a triple hundred last year, Karun Nair was dropped from the team after only 3 Tests. He is only 25, so, he will make a comeback at some stage later. The No. 1 Test Team in the world is currently on the tour of Sri Lanka and are keen to whitewash the depleted home side.

Prasad explains the role of management in cricket

Due to the competition, it is significant for a player to be communicated about his role in the side and what is expected of him. The current chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad, in an extended interview with Wisden India, spoke about the role of management in cricket.

“Being a student of management — I have done my Masters in Management – and with my experience, I had as a director (of cricket at the Andhra Cricket Association) also, the one thing I am very aware of is that it is very important to have extremely clear channels of communication. All the misunderstandings, everything that happens, happens just because of the lack of proper communication,” said Prasad.

‘Spoke to Parthiv, Nair about their omission’

He also stated that he has had a word with the likes of Parthiv Patel and Karun Nair, both of whom have done exceedingly well in the limited opportunities they got but yet couldn’t make the cut for the series in Sri Lanka.

“And if you see the example, we couldn’t pick Karun Nair and Parthiv Patel for this series. I spoke to Karun and explained why he is not there in this series and what it is that we are expecting of him for him to make a comeback. And at the same time, it was very tough to leave Parthiv out. Whatever chances he got, he played exceptionally well and did everything that was asked of him. But we had to tell him that this being such a short series, we didn’t have the luxury of having an additional wicketkeeper. And Colombo is just an hour’s flight from India, so in case something happens, he can always fly in. Maybe if we hadn’t communicated those things in that way, he would have had a hundred-and-one thoughts in his mind. He could have felt left out, unwanted, thinking maybe X, Y or Z was not in favor of him. So it is always good to speak to the player and let him know where he stands” explained Prasad.

Yuvraj Singh made a memorable comeback in the ODI setup after having a prolific first class season for Punjab last season. He scored a breathtaking 150 only in his second game on return and was a part of the team who played the ICC Champions Trophy in England. Prasad said that he had already spoken to Yuvraj during the Ranji Trophy season last year about his chances.

“I had spoken to Yuvraj Singh last year during the Ranji Trophy season and told him how important his role would be as a mentor-cum-player in the Champions Trophy. He did well in the chances that he got and even as a mentor, surprisingly he played that role too really well” stated Prasad.

Prasad & Co. have provided opportunities to seniors

Prasad also pointed out that his team of selectors provided an opportunity for the likes of Gautam Gambhir, Dinesh Karthik, Parthiv Patel and Abhinav Mukund after they spent a lot of time away from national contention. He, again, stressed the importance of communication and how the lack of it could create misunderstanding for the players.

“From nowhere, we got in Gautam Gambhir. After six years, Abhinav Mukund has made a comeback. After eight years, Parthiv Patel has made a comeback; after so many years, Dinesh Karthik has made a comeback. So there is a channel that is taking care of this process and our selection committee is talking to these people and getting them ready, whether it is juniors or seniors. We give them those hints so that they are prepared mentally. Communication is a key to the success of any organization or process. Lack of communication is the cause of all misunderstandings and all problems”