Shreyas Iyer is a top class player: Dilip Vengsarkar

Former Indian batsman Dilip Vengsarkar has stated that Mumbai youngsters Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur deserve a place in the Indian squad. Vengsarkar has also urged the selectors to do away with the current system and form a pool of talented players.

Dilip Vengsarkar also served as the national selector in 2007 was pleased with Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy win. Bursting with pride and joy, Vengsarkar said, “Well, it’s a team game and every body contributes to the best of his ability and that’s why they are there. Of course, the credit goes to the entire team for playing flawless cricket throughout the season”

“Chandrakant Pandit did play a vital role and has been the guiding force behind the team. It’s a young team and Chandu did instill in them the sense of pride and belonging which is so very important,” Vengsarkar added.

When asked about the performance of young Shreyas Iyer, the former Indian skipper had nothing but praise for the 22-year-old. “Shreyas was outstanding. He is a top class player and is in great form. I watched him closely when he scored a hundred in the final. The wicket had something for the fast bowlers and Jaidev Unadkat was firing on all cylinders. The way Shreyas faced him and scored runs off him, I am convinced he is ready for international cricket. It’s time he is inducted.”

It’s important for a player to get selected when he is young and in form and it is here that the judgement of the selectors comes into play. Shardul Thakur is another one. He has been picking wickets by the dozens in the last couple of seasons and is consistently hitting 135-140 kmph. It’s unfortunate that the present selection committee is happy selecting the same set of bowlers when they have the talent around and can build the bench strength for the future,” he added.

Dilip Vengsarkar was also critical of Sarfaraz Ahmed, who opted to make the move from Mumbai to Uttar Pradesh. ” Sarfaraz’s case is an eye-opener for the MCA. Here is a boy who played all his cricket in Mumbai but preferred to shift his loyalties to Uttar Pradesh. In his case, I can’t see any other reason but a monetary one.

“Mind you, in cricket, nobody gives you a guaranteed place in the team. You have to earn it not only by the weight of sheer performance but also by earning the respect from your colleagues. The MCA has always been magnanimous in providing opportunities to all the registered players but let me tell you Sarfaraz’s case has put the future of other outstation players in a quandary,” he added.