M.S.K. Prasad is one of the most low-profile chief selectors in Indian cricket history. Add to the fact that his tenure has collided with perhaps the most powerful captain in the recent past and it’s not surprising that the selectors are often perceived to be bogged down by the intimidating captain-coach combination of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri.
No wonder then that during the 14-minute media interaction following the announcements of multiple squads for the forthcoming assignments, Prasad stressed that he and his two colleagues, Devang Gandhi and Sarandeep Singh, are not influenced by the team management.
When asked about whether the convention of the selectors finalising the squad and the team management shortlisting the XI with little involvement of selectors still persists, Prasad said: “With regard to our relationship with team management, it has been cordial so far. There is lot of speculation that the team management is actually dominating, which is not right. We take their suggestions. They are very much on advisory role and that’s all.
“Coming to your question, we take their suggestion and pick the team and there is also a selector on call (while selecting the XI), so we work in unison.”
Unconvincing
Moments earlier, Prasad wasn’t as convincing when he was bombarded with queries over Ashish Nehra’s selection for only the first Twenty20 against Sri Lanka, which appears to be a farewell game.
Prasad denied that it was going to be a farewell game for the veteran speedster, who has already announced his decision to retire after the first T20, and also tried his best to steer clear of team selection for the game.
“Whether he is going to play or not is clearly (the decision of the) team management and selectors. There is no assurance from our side whether he is going to play or not,” he said.
The selectors have surprisingly chosen an unusually big 16-member squad for the first two Tests. And Prasad struggled to justify the decision.
“Well, we have covered different aspects. We have strengthened every department — spin, medium-pace,” he said.
“With so much domestic cricket going on, some of the players can be released for domestic games; we will definitely work on that. Yes, we want to cover every aspect.
“You all know that from September 1 the new rules have come with regard to a 16-member squad. Even a wicketkeeper can be substituted with a wicketkeeper.”
Interestingly, the squad doesn’t have a reserve wicketkeeper.
