NEW DELHI: Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised significant concerns regarding the selection process of the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20 World Cup, questioning the consistency and rationale behind the decisions made by the selectors.
Pathan highlighted a notable shift in strategy, recalling the aftermath of India’s disappointing performance in the last T20 World Cup.
“Two years ago when you lost in the T20 World Cup semi-final, you had decided that you don’t want senior players. You decided that you don’t want them. That’s why neither Rohit Sharma nor Virat Kohli was seen in T20Is. You had said that we will go with all the young boys,” Pathan remarked, pointing out the management’s earlier preference for young players over experienced campaigners.However, Pathan expressed surprise at the apparent reversal of this approach in the current squad selection, where experience seems to have taken precedence over youth. He emphasized the importance of adhering to a consistent selection process, suggesting that while experience may be crucial, following a defined process could lead to better outcomes.
“But when the talk of the World Cup came up, then you felt that you should still go on the basis of experience here. You should always go on the basis of experience, especially on difficult wickets. But if there is a process, then that process needs to be followed completely. In this you can get better results,” Pathan insisted, highlighting the need for clarity and transparency in the selection criteria.
Pathan highlighted a notable shift in strategy, recalling the aftermath of India’s disappointing performance in the last T20 World Cup.
“Two years ago when you lost in the T20 World Cup semi-final, you had decided that you don’t want senior players. You decided that you don’t want them. That’s why neither Rohit Sharma nor Virat Kohli was seen in T20Is. You had said that we will go with all the young boys,” Pathan remarked, pointing out the management’s earlier preference for young players over experienced campaigners.However, Pathan expressed surprise at the apparent reversal of this approach in the current squad selection, where experience seems to have taken precedence over youth. He emphasized the importance of adhering to a consistent selection process, suggesting that while experience may be crucial, following a defined process could lead to better outcomes.
“But when the talk of the World Cup came up, then you felt that you should still go on the basis of experience here. You should always go on the basis of experience, especially on difficult wickets. But if there is a process, then that process needs to be followed completely. In this you can get better results,” Pathan insisted, highlighting the need for clarity and transparency in the selection criteria.
Pathan’s disappointment was particularly evident in the absence of young talent like Rinku Singh from the squad. “I am very disappointed with Rinku Singh’s absence here,” Pathan lamented, expressing concern over the exclusion of promising players and the potential impact on team dynamics.
In contrast, cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar offered a different perspective, attributing Rinku’s exclusion to his current form in the ongoing IPL.
“Maybe his form in this particular edition of the IPL hasn’t been great. He hasn’t had that many opportunities, maybe that’s the reason why they’ve (selectors) not picked him,” Gavaskar remarked, highlighting the dynamic nature of selection decisions and the importance of current performance.