Mithali and Harmanpreet meet BCCI officials over WT20 selection matter, coach Powar summoned

Harmanpreet Kaur-led India decided to drop Mitali Raj ahead of the ICC Women's World Cup semi-final against England.

Mithali was dropped ahead of the World T20 semi-final against England | Getty

T20 skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and ODI captain Mithali Raj met top BCCI officials on Monday, November 26, to deliberate over controversial sacking of the latter from playing XI for the ICC World T20 semi-final against England. Head coach Ramesh Powar has been asked to be present, giving his insight into the matter, for the same.

Mithali, the most experienced member of the squad, was left out from the team for the crucial must-win encounter on the poor form she exhibited during the group stages. The move was then justified by Kaur herself, despite the humiliating eight-wicket loss last Thursday, November 22.

Both the senior stalwarts, along with manager Trupti Bhattacharya, met BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and GM (Cricket Operations) Saba Karim.

“Yes, we (Johri and Karim) met Mithali, Harman and manager Trupti Bhattacharya. All of them met us separately and put across their viewpoints. We have noted everything down,” Johri told PTI, before refusing to divulge the details of the meeting, by affirming, “Please don’t ask me what has been discussed during the meeting.”

It is learnt that both Johri and Karim will now present a detailed report to the CoA which will then assess by everyone involved, and if required, the former India wicketkeeper will speak to the individuals concerned.

Coach Ramesh Powar is expected to meet Johri and Karim on Wednesday and while it is not directly related to the matter, the retired off-spinner is unlikely to get an extension as his interim contract ends on November 30.

“Even a player of Anil Kumble’s stature was asked to re-apply and we don’t see a reason why there should be an exception for Powar. Obviously, Ramesh can also apply but a fresh interviews of interested candidates will take place,” an anonymous BCCI official was quoted saying.

Hence, the board will continue with its policy of inviting fresh applications for the coach’s position and Powar will also be eligible for application.

There is also a strong likelihood that Mithali, much like the other Indian Cricket great Jhulan Goswami, might never play T20Is again and concentrate only over the 50-overs game for as long possible.

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 27 Nov, 2018

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