BCCI’s senior selection committee is set to have a new look with some of the renowned former India players like Chetan Sharma, Maninder Singh and Shiv Sunder Das applying for the vacant posts from their respective zones.
According to a PTI report, ex-pacer Ajit Agarkar, who has represented India in 26 Tests, 191 ODIs and 4 T20Is, could be the front-runner for the chairman's post in case he decides to re-apply for the selector's job.
The report further claims that Agarkar is likely to throw his hat in the ring and his credentials for the high profile job will be difficult to overlook considering his vast international experience.
Although the BCCI has officially got rid of the zonal system, it is highly unlikely that two people from the same zone will be kept in the selection panel.
Sunil Joshi (15 Tests and 69 ODIs) from South Zone is the current chief selector while Harvinder Singh represents the Central Zone. However, some of the applicants in the contention have more international matches under their belt and thus Joshi will then have to relinquish his post as per Lodha Committee rule.
"Yes, I have applied for the selector's post. I have no issues being an ordinary member of the panel. My main aim is to serve Indian cricket. I have played alongside legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Dilip Vegsarkar, learnt a lot from them," Chetan Sharma told PTI.
In fact, Chetan had also applied in January but then the BCCI had only replaced South Zone incumbent (MSK Prasad) with Joshi and Harvinder came in place of Gagan Khoda.
Another leading name who has applied from North Zone is former left-arm spinner Maninder Singh, who has 35 Tests and 59 ODIs to his name.
"Yes, I had applied last time (in January also) and I am applying this time. If given a chance, I will certainly like to give my best shot," Maninder confirmed to PTI.
A senior administrator from North Zone said that Maninder and Chetan's applications are more than welcome.
"Last time, it was Sarandeep Singh with less than 10 international games to his credit. It was a cruel joke on the system. At least we have Chetan and Maninder, two very reputed cricketers of their time applying for selector's job," a former BCCI official from North Zone said.
Shiv Sunder Das, who has played 23 Tests, is a clear favourite from East Zone and he confirmed about applying for the post to PTI.
"Look, if Das applies, his case will be difficult to ignore. In that case, BCCI may try out Debu (Mohanty) as senior selector for next two years and give someone from Bengal that position," an official privy to selection matters said.
There were reports that former India seamer Subroto Banerjee will also throw hat into the ring from East Zone but it is confirmed that "he is not applying".
"Subroto has been a respected bowling coach for some time and he would like to continue as a coach — be it at the NCA, India U-19 or India A. He is not interested in being national selector," a source close to the cricketer said.
(With PTI inputs)
