Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad on Friday (December 10), backed Ajinkya Rahane's selection in India's squad for the upcoming Test series in South Africa, given his good overseas record.
Prasad also said that it's important to travel abroad with a good mix of young and experienced players in the team.
Rahane has been named in the 18-member India squad for the upcoming three-match Test series in South Africa despite struggling with the bat lately, and Prasad admitted the veteran batter’s poor record at home but said he has been brilliant in the overseas conditions and deserved to be there.
However, Rahane was removed as Test vice-captain, as Rohit Sharma will be Virat Kohli’s deputy in the upcoming three-match Test series against South Africa, which will begin with the Boxing Day Test in Centurion on December 26, followed by the New Year's Test in Johannesburg and the final Test in Cape Town on January 3–7 and January 11–15, respectively.
Prasad told India Today: “At the end of the day, it should be a mix of juniors and seniors. Even in 2013, he (Rahane) did well. Usually, Rahane performs well in overseas conditions but his record at home hasn't been great. Taking these things into consideration, the selectors can look into players for home conditions and players for away conditions.”
He further added, “Usually, Rahane is one guy who does really well in away conditions. Selectors are a bit puzzled because of his form. Whether they are going to look forward or back his experience is going to be their judgments.”
The former chief selector also said that the national selectors should have a healthy headache for spots between youngsters and senior players in the team.
Prasad further explained, “First of all, it is good to have a healthy headache for the selectors. And secondly, you need to have a system in place. How many opportunities would you be giving to a senior cricketer, when do you want to induct a youngster? How many youngsters are on a tour? These are the things you should take into consideration, there should be a good balance.”
He concluded, “You just can't simply remove all the seniors, at the same time, you can't carry on with all youngsters, especially when you are going away. At home, you can try things but when you go away experience counts a lot. That's why they need to have a perfect blend of youth and experience.”
