India’s senior selection committee led by MSK Prasad took a massive step last week as they dropped Murali Vijay from the squad of two-match Test series against West Indies at home.
Vijay was one of India’s most successful batsmen during the 2013-14 tours of South Africa and England but he looked the shadow of himself while touring these two countries in 2018.
The 34-year-old had struggled in South Africa earlier this year, scoring 102 runs at an average of 17 in three Tests while he could only muster 26 runs in four innings against England in the first two Tests. Subsequently, he was not picked for the last two Tests in England.
Vijay is now back to the domestic grind but he is concerned about the lack of communication between players and selectors.
“Nothing at all. Neither the chief selector nor any other person spoke to me in England after I was dropped from the third Test. None of them have spoken to me since. I did have a conversation with the members of the team management in England and that’s it,” Vijay told Mumbai Mirror.
“I tend to agree with what Harbhajan Singh has said (on Tuesday) about parameters of selection. I think it is important that a player is told about the reasons for keeping him out so that he knows where exactly he stands in the team managements’ and selectors’ scheme of things,” he added.
Vijay said stability and security are something that comforts an athlete.
“As a player it is very important that you are going to get more than just one or two games, so that you can plan better. Stability keeps doubts away. Ultimately, one has to perform and contribute to the team’s cause,” he remarked.
After getting dropped from the Test in England, Vijay joined the English County side Essex where he amassed the scores of 56, 100, 85, 80 and 2.
Sharing his experience of county cricket, the stylish right-hander said: “Playing county cricket was a great experience. The opportunity came at just the right time. The best thing was that I was able to get runs. The conditions weren’t too different from what I encountered during the Test series. Like in the Test series, I was in a good space mentally. I knew what was expected from me during the matches and was able to deliver and that was the most pleasing part.”
Murali Vijay, who played 59 Tests for India thus far, hasn’t lost hope yet and is eyeing the forthcoming Australia tour.
“I don’t look too far. Right now I am looking forward to doing well for Tamil Nadu in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy. I have been in these situations before and made a comeback. I will be preparing for the Australia series too in my own manner. I know the conditions there well, having scored close to 500 runs (482) during the 2014-15 series. I wish to be ready if the chance comes. Ultimately it’s the runs that matter when you are trying to make a comeback,” Vijay concluded.
