The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) never seems to amaze, especially when it comes to team selections. And the squad named for the New Zealand Tests doesn’t give you any different feeling. And so you have Suresh Raina, who had an atrocious time in the away Tests, making a comeback. From what was the evident in the five-day games he played in England, it was clear that the left-hander has a long way to go before he’s ready for the grind of Test cricket.
Ideally, he should have stayed on as an ODI and T20 specialist, and toured countries like Australia, South Africa and England with the ‘A’ team to hone his skill in Tests. Yes, he may have been part of international cricket for more than half a decade now, but there is still nothing embarrassing if you are getting an opportunity to learn and improve. By getting him back in the Test squad for the home series, what message are the selectors trying to send across to the youngster? That he can succeed in easy conditions back home, and then be dropped when the team tours abroad. An incomprehensible selection for sure, especially when you have more deserving players waiting in the wings for now.
One of the players whose name instantly springs to mind is Manoj Tiwary, whose has been on the sidelines of Test selection for as long as Rohit Sharma, but like the latter hasn’t got an opportunity to stake his claim. Also unlike, Sharma, who is seen as extremely talented, Tiwary’s non-inclusion in the Test side doesn’t create such a buzz. This time as well, it doesn’t seem that a lot of noise will be made over the fact that Tiwary hasn’t made it to the Test team. He is a talented player no doubt, and has proved himself consistently in domestic cricket. Still, there’s a danger that he’ll end up being tagged as a limited overs specialist. Call it the IPL effect. On present form, Tiwary undoubtedly was the more deserving candidate for a Test berth, ahead of Raina.
Another selection that is nothing short of baffling was that of Ishant Sharma. The lanky India pacer has done nothing but provide India will false hopes that he will become the spearhead of the Indian attack once Zaheer Khan leaves the scene. But, his performances haven’t matched his profile, and he has stayed on in the team only because India haven’t found any suitable replacement. Sad, because when Sharma burst onto the scene in 2007, when he gave Ricky Ponting the nightmare of his life, he impressed everyone who saw him bowl. 133 wickets in 45 Tests, at an average of 38 tell a different story.
From the selection for the latest India series, it is clear that the BCCI is confused about how to take Indian future ahead. Still, India will beat New Zealand for sure. But even West Indies did the same. They should ideally use the home Tests as a preparation for the next tough series abroad. But, it seems the BCCI is only bothered about home glory.
--By A Cricket Analyst
