Who wants to be an Indian selector NOW?

Cricket is nothing short of a religion in India. In addition to giving wings to the revenues for BCCI it also gives the selectors a big headache. Every Indian becomes a cricket analyst when the match is on. Comments ranging from why he should be dropped from the squad to why he shouldn’t have played this match come from every cricket follower. The autocratic BCCI will be wary of the democratic opinions from its supporters every time it picks the squad. And if it is World Cup time, it puts greater focus on the selection.

Being the defending champions, India are expected to do a fairly decent job at the World Cup. Notwithstanding the fact that it would be played in Australia and New Zealand, the men in Blue start as one of the favorites. Little wonder that Rahul Dravid is backing Team India to lift the cup. The onus is on the selection committee to pick winning horses. A sweet dilemma turning into a migraine headache for them is the form of multiple players as the deadline for finalizing the team approaches.

Rohit Sharma is out of the team owing to injury but Ajinkya Rahane has grabbed his chance with both hands. If the selectors want a backup keeper plus a batsman, then there is every chance of selecting Robin Uthappa who can be a reserve keeper and an opening bat. Axar Patel is showing calm nerves beyond his age and is slowing usurping the more experienced Ravindra Jadeja in economy rate charts. Not that there is a threat to Jadeja but Patel would definitely be in the thick of action items for the selectors. (Also read India’s Probable for WC 2015)

Wrist spinners are traditionally successful in Australia and India have the option of choosing from the veteran Amit Mishra, the upcoming Karn Sharma or the mysterious Kuldeep Yadav. Whoever is selected will be a trump card. Then there would be a minor discussion of fast bowlers and if outright speedster Varun Aaron needs to board the flight.

Aaron may have eased the pressure by breaking down with injury but there still are headaches for the selectors. The frenzy has already picked up with every die-hard fan already coming up with his final list of 15. Interestingly, no two opinions of supporters are same. Being an Indian selector is never easy. You may end up being called a bunch of jokers like Mohinder Amarnath here. A glamorous and yet thankless job of selecting team is a very difficult job. One thing is for sure. No one would dare to be a selector now.

Author : Sridhar I’m a sports freelancer based out of India.